Former Chelsea star Paul Canoville was joined by a number of Irish League legends on a recent visit to Ashfield Boys School in East Belfast.
The visit, which was organised by the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Choice Housing saw young people from South and East Belfast came together to train for a Sports Leaders Award, and to hear from the former stars on their journeys through sport and the importance of prioritising your mental health and wellbeing.
The Community Sports Leaders Award (CSLA Level 1) Accreditation is a key part of the new initiative between Choice Housing and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation which aims to use sport, media, and arts to build positive relationships, leadership, skills, and opportunities for young people whilst tackling issues such as racism and inequality at a community level.
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Youth groups took part in a weeklong programme of workshops and other activities aimed at improving skills and opportunities for young people.
The initiative is supported by partners including Warner Music UK / Ireland, UEFA Foundation, Community Foundation NI and Catalyst Belfast who offer mentoring, training and opportunities for young people to learn about careers.
Former Irish League players Harry McCue, Paul Millar and Paul Leeman joined Paul Canoville, the first black player for Chelsea FC and anti-racism campaigner in an open discussion about their own journeys and the challenges that young people today face.
Paul Canoville was the first black player to play for Chelsea and suffered racism in his career both in the game and from the terraces. Following his retirement he suffered with mental ill-health, and now not only acts as a club ambassador, but also as a high-profile campaigner against racism and as an advocate for mental health issues.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Paul said: "Football is mainstream and played throughout the world. Here in Ireland we are encouraging the kids to come together and play the competition.
"It unites the community. Nobody looks at where we come from, what religion you are, it just unites which is the main thing with this project.
"In terms of mental health, after coronavirus it took quite a toll with the youngsters. I myself experienced poor mental health and found that if you don't share it with somebody it then becomes depression, it then becomes stress.
"I always say to the youngsters to talk to somebody when they feel that something is not right."
One participant, Brendan explained how the project has helped him develop friendships.
"I took part because I need to talk to more people and I don't believe in sectarianism," he said.
"I am from the Short Strand in East Belfast. I don't see the difference between Catholics and Protestants."
Choice Group Chief Executive, Michael McDonnell attended the event and said that the partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation focuses on bettering the lives of young people in our communities.
"Seeing so many of them here today engaging and sharing their experiences shows how vital these programmes are.
“They will come away not only having developed new friendships with young people from other communities and backgrounds but will have learned a great deal from the experience of those speaking today. Hearing from sports professionals on the challenges they have faced and the importance of having a support system will hopefully stay with them throughout their lives, whatever they choose to do next.”
The Rio Ferdinand Foundation, set up by former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has worked in Northern Ireland since 2016 and provides mentoring and employment pathways to help young people in economically deprived communities.
Belfast Project Co-Ordinator at the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, Karla McDermott added: "This week has been a fantastic experience for the young people involved, and for us as a staff team as we have watched them grow and take a lead in the project. The participants have achieved accredited qualifications in Sports Leadership and Equality and Diversity and have led on putting together a community tournament.
“As they start their journey in sports and leadership, we have had some wonderful guests here to share their own journeys and young people from across Belfast and NI to play and get inspired. It’s a project that shows what we can achieve when communities come together, and we give young people a voice.”
Rio Ferdinand said that it’s important that we support young people to build the confidence, skills and networks that will help them to find their career path and achieve their potential in life.
"This training course is a great first step for these young people in Belfast and I congratulate them on achieving their qualification and look forward to hearing how their journeys progress," he continued.
“A huge thanks also to Paul Canoville and the other guests who attended the final tournament today to share their stories and journeys with the group to help them understand the pathways, challenges and experiences that journey can take.”
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