Sporting Event – Good Relations Week

IFA Inclusion Programme

A group of housing associations will join forces with the Irish Football Association (IFA) to kick off a new partnership promoting inclusion, equality, and community cohesion through the power of football.

Through the Housing for All Programme, the associations are lending their support to the IFA’s Inclusion and Disability Football Programme – proving that when it comes to inclusion, we’re all on the same team. The partnership will be officially launched at Avoneil Leisure Centre during Good Relations Week, with backing from the Community Relations Council.

The collaboration – involving APEX, Arbour, ARK, Choice, Radius, Rural, Triangle, Woven, and North Belfast Housing – will provide new football opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Inclusion & Disability Football programme is supported by the Department for Communities and the Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.

Each of the nine Housing Associations involved managed shared housing developments across northern Ireland, with associated five-year Good Relations Plan

Delivered through the Irish FA Foundation, the Inclusion and Disability Football Programme ensures that people with disabilities – including those with learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, and powerchair users – can get involved in the game and shine.

The programme features weekly training sessions, regional leagues, national competitions, and elite pathways, with more than 80 disability football teams currently taking part across Northern Ireland. Players compete across three age groups: 7–11, 12–16, and 16+.

There’s also a great assist for young people studying Sports Management at Belfast Met, who can gain valuable experience as match referees.

Let’s Connect Championships: 5-a-Side Football Tournament

To kick off Good Relations Week 2025, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, in partnership with the Irish Football Association (IFA), presents the Let’s Connect Championships- a dynamic 5-a-side football tournament celebrating this year’s theme: Connect.

Held at the Valley Leisure Centre on 15th of October 2025, the event brings together teams representing diverse cultures and communities from across the borough and beyond. Through the universal language of sport, participants will build friendships, foster understanding, and showcase the power of connection.

Lets Connect Championship 2025

As part of Good Relations Week 2025, the Irish Football Association (IFA) and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council are proud to host an exciting five-a-side football tournament celebrating community integration and inclusion. The event will bring together players from diverse backgrounds to promote teamwork, respect, and friendship through sport. More than just a competition, the tournament aims to strengthen community ties and highlight how football can be a powerful force for unity. Everyone is welcome to take part or come along to enjoy the matches, support local teams, and celebrate the spirit of togetherness that defines Good Relations Week.

Different Ball, Same Goal

The “Different Ball, Same Goal” project has been running for many years in the Causeway Coast and Glens area. It provides an opportunity for pupils in Post Primary schools to experience sports and leisure activities together, and to introduce them to the diversity of sporting heritage traditions.

Year 8 pupils from 4 Post Primary Schools come together to engage in Football, Gaelic Football and Rugby sessions, culminating in a finale event, allowing pupils from diverse backgrounds to try sports that they would not normally experience within their own cultural tradition, and to make friends with pupils from other communities.

The sessions are timed to coincide with Good Relations Week, Hate Crime Awareness Week, and the “Show Racism the Red Card” / Wear Red Day campaign in October.

ECOS Parkrun Ballymena

What is Ecos parkrun, Ballymena?

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you!

When is it?

Every Saturday at 9:30am.

Where is it?

The event takes place at Ecos Park, Kernohan’s Lane, Broughshane Road, Ballymena, BT43 7QA. See Course page for more details.

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you!

Football Feast Tournament Ballymena

Good Relations Week – ‘opportUNITY & uniting people’
Choice Housing & PSNI Ballymena Neighbourhood Policing Team, in partnership with Glasgow Rangers Football Academy are hosting a free seven aside football tournament on Wednesday 18th September from 7pm to 10pm at Ballymena Showgrounds

Age groups taking part:
8yrs—11yrs
12yrs—15yrs

To register your team/s contact Anne McAllister 07581 006795 or email anne.mcallister@choice-housing.org. Closing date for team registration is 9th September! To request FREE spectator tickets contact the number above! There will be a free BBQ for all those who are attending.

Multi-Ethnic Sports Festival & Legacy Cup “A Celebration of Good Relations Week”

MSCNI Multi-ethnic sports festival and Legacy Cup delivered during Good Relations Week 2024 with the aim to foster inclusivity, promote physical and mental well-being, and provide opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds in Northern Ireland. Through a variety of sports, cultural activities, and educational workshops, the event will celebrate the theme of “OpportUNITY” and contribute to a more cohesive and harmonious society.

Arabic Storytelling and Music

In celebration of Good Relations Week 2024 and its theme of ‘OpportUNITY,’ Crumlin Library is hosting an Arabic Storytelling and Music Workshop. This engaging event invites both Arabic and non-Arabic speakers to explore the rich language and culture through lively storytelling and music. Whether you’re eager to learn more about Arabic traditions or simply want to experience something new, this family-friendly workshop provides a fun and inclusive opportunity to connect with diverse cultural expressions. Join us in celebrating cultural diversity and fostering community connections during this special week.

Walking Football Tournament

Teams from across Northern Ireland have gathered in Newtownards for a Walking Football tournament aimed at increasing physical fitness and improving mental wellbeing. Now in its second year, the tournament organised by Glen Men’s Walking Football has benefitted from a Community Involvement Grant worth £3,042.98 from the Housing Executive.

For more information visit: The Housing Executive – News (nihe.gov.uk)

Cuchulainn Initiative: Lurgan Cuchulainns Celebration Event

A group of girls from Lurgan created lifetime memories in July when, as part of their involvement in Ulster GAA’s Cúchulainn Initiative, they travelled to London to represent their schools and town in the All-Britain Competition (ABC Games).

The Cúchulainn Initiative is Ulster GAA’s flagship cross community programme which brings together young people from different community backgrounds through Gaelic Games. The Lurgan Cúchulainn’s, consisting of girls from Lurgan Junior High School, Brownlow Integrated College, and St Ronan’s College, took part in the U16 Girls Competition. Despite being a team made-up of players who had little or no experience playing Gaelic games, the group represented themselves with distinction showing some incredible skills, passion, and teamwork as they came up against established clubs in Britain.

In recognition of their engagement in this programme the group will be hosted for a reception with the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on Tuesday 19th September.