Ardmore clubs secure €96,250 in PEACEPLUS funding to bring young people together through sport

Ardmore Cricket Club and St Mary’s Ardmore GAC have secured €96,250 through the PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme for Bridges Through Sport. The 12-month project will bring together 100 young people aged 8 to 18 from different community backgrounds in Ardmore and the wider Derry/Londonderry area.

Led by Ardmore Cricket Club in partnership with St Mary’s Ardmore GAC, Bridges Through Sport is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Young people will have the chance to try cricket and Gaelic games, play in mixed teams and build friendships over the course of a year.

The clubs will run 12 cross-community sports sessions, six workshops in local primary schools and eight inter-club friendly matches. The school workshops will give pupils a chance to learn about both sports and explore culture, identity and belonging.

Ten young people aged 16 to 18 will train as youth ambassadors and help make activities welcoming to participants from all backgrounds. Families and local residents will also be invited to take part in three community volunteering events and a final celebration event.

“We want young people who might never otherwise meet to get to know one another by playing on the same team," said a spokesperson. "Over the course of a year, they’ll have the chance to try both sports, build friendships and take an active role in their community. Both clubs are looking forward to welcoming them.”