IRFU Awarded £133k To Join Community Sports Programme

The Department of Social Development is to award the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) £133,000 to join a partnership with the GAA and IFA in a community development programme.

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland made the announcement.

'Sport in the Community' is an initiative which aims to support a range of joint development programmes including shared learning workshops, club development programmes, community outreach initiatives, neighbourhood renewal objectives and volunteer training and development.

Minister McCausland said: "The inclusion of Irish Rugby Football Union Ulster Branch (IRFU) will add strength to this project through the joined up partnership and co-ordinated approach with the IFA and GAA. Volunteers are a key component in the delivery of sport across Northern Ireland. I wish to acknowledge the important work of volunteers and am keen to expand on the already highly valued contribution made by those who volunteer within the sporting and community sectors."

Shane Logan, Chief Executive of the IRFU (Ulster Branch), commented: "I would like to thank the Minister and his Department for this funding. We are delighted to be part of the ‘Sport in the Community’ project and look forward to working in partnership with the Irish Football Association and Ulster GAA, to grow the number of volunteers involved in sport, and to help affect positive change at community level."

The scheme is supporting the Department for Social Development’s Volunteering Strategy for Northern Ireland and will provide over £480,000 during the three year partnership for community and volunteer development.

(IT/GK)