Belfast-based intercultural football project secures Big Lottery Fund support

World United kicks off programme to give racism the boot

World United, a Belfast-based football initiative, has launched a 12-month programme of events to encourage intercultural football in an environment free from racism, sectarianism and discrimination.

Thanks to help from the Big Lottery Fund, World United has planned a calendar of activities for 2017 which includes intercultural football training and matches across Belfast, anti-racism workshops and seminars, family events and a ‘Unity Cup’ tournament.

World United was founded 12 years ago by the Irish Football Association (IFA), along with the NI Committee of Refugees and Asylum Seekers and the NI Council for Ethnic Minorities. Led by a small group of volunteers, World United brings together sports and community groups from a diverse mix of cultures and backgrounds with the aim of forming positive, respectful relationships and instilling an increased sense of belonging and confidence for all.

Since its inception, over 150 players have played for World United from over 24 countries including Sudan, Algeria, Australia, Morocco, Tibet, Iraq, Sri Lanka and Iran.

Paul Moffett, World United Chairperson, said:

“We are delighted to be rolling out an enhanced programme of events this year thanks to valuable support from the Big Lottery Fund. It is so encouraging year on year to see players from a wide range of backgrounds, countries and cultures playing football together, forming friendships and learning from one another.

“The importance of challenging discrimination and encouraging acceptance has been in the international spotlight perhaps more than ever in recent months. We believe that through the universal vehicle of football, we can challenge prejudice and discrimination, and introduce mutual understanding and respect.

“We hope that by taking part, players will adopt an outlook which celebrates diversity and can be passed along to Northern Ireland’s future generations,” Paul said.

Joanne McDowell, Big Lottery Fund NI Director, added:

“I am pleased we have been able to support this project under our Awards for All programme and I want to thank all National Lottery players who have helped make this possible.
“Awards for All funds health, education, environment and community projects that help people bring about positive change in their lives, improve health and wellbeing, develop skills and create safer communities. We hope the World United project will have a big impact on the people taking part, and the wider community,” said Joanne.