Old Firm Alliance

The project is an innovative, community led programme focussing on building and developing stronger communities funded through the Office of First and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) and Community Relations Council. Piloted in Belfast with twelve primary schools in 2008 the project contributed to the lives of young people by using football as a key theme and focal point. It provides an opportunity for youngsters to get together and play football, while learning more about sport, how it can positively influence their lives and contribute to their health and well being.

The programme culminated in a Fair Play Festival and celebration for all participants in November 2008. Both Celtic Football Club and Rangers Football Club bring some unique attributes that make them the perfect delivery vehicle, complemented by Sportopps coaching staff. The stature and experience of the coaching staff, many of whom are ex-players, is unrivalled whilst the track record of successful delivery is outstanding.

The Clubs recognise the importance of football and its capacity for developing and contributing to the interpersonal skills ofchildren and young people. These skills, when running in parallel with an educational message, can assist young people in making positive life decisions, being assertive and proud of who they are. The strong affinity that young people in Belfast have for one or other half of the Old Firm means that the Club’s are ideally placed to deliver messages around key social issues in the city’s’ schools and clubs.