Integration through sport.

1. Integration through sport. By Aaron Edwards, Jack Chalmers, Kelly Brownlee, Gareth Smith.

2. Introduction • In this PowerPoint we will be discussing integration within sport in the 21st century. • Beyond physical well-being, sport can play an important role for a safer, more prosperous and more peaceful society, through its educational values and worldwide network.

3. Integration through sport • Sports is fun. Sport unifies. Sport breaks down barriers between people. Athletes speak a common language, which everyone understands. And that’s why sport is important, people from different nations play sport together. In clubs and recreational teams, regardless of whether it is competitive, or “just for fun”.

4. Context • In Northern Ireland there is a community divide when it comes to sport. If you are Protestant/ Unionist we tend to play football, rugby, hockey. • If you are Catholic/Nationalist they tend to play hurling, gaelic, rugby, camogie. • However, we are working together to try and play and integrate through sport.

5. Game of three halves • The game of three halves is supported by Ulster Rugby, the GAA, and IFA. This concept is to introduce and promote inclusion and diversity. • The aims of the game of three halves are: • Use Sport to promote respect and diversity and positive community relations. • Encourage young people to play sport in a fun, a safe and inclusive environment.

6. Gaelic Football • Gaelic football commonly referred to as football or Gaelic, is an Irish team sport. It is a form of football derived from traditional Irish ball games. It is played between two teams of 15 players on a rectangular grass pitch. The objective of the sport is to score points by passing the ball through the other team's goals (3 points) or a set of two upright posts separated by a crossbar 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) above the ground (1 point). • Players advance the football, a spherical leather ball, up the field with a combination of carrying, bouncing, kicking, hand-passing, and soloing (dropping the ball and then toe-kicking the ball upward into the hands). In the game, two types of scores are possible: points and goals. A point is awarded for kicking or hand-passing the ball over the crossbar, signalled by the umpire raising a white flag. A goal is awarded for kicking the ball under the crossbar into the net, signalled by the umpire raising a green flag.

7. Integration through rugby • The Irish Rugby team have a mix of Northern Irish and Irish players. For e.g., Rory Best from Northern Ireland, Brian O’Driscoll from Ireland. • All of the players sing the “Irish Call”. • The Ulster Rugby team are involved in the Game of Three Halves.

8. Integration through football • The brand name of the campaign - Let's Kick Racism Out of Football - was established in 1993 and Kick It Out established as a body in 1997. • Kick It Out works throughout the football, educational and community sectors to challenge discrimination, encourage inclusive practices and work for positive change.The campaign is supported and funded by the game's governing bodies, including founding body the Professional Footballers Association (PFA), the Premier League and The Football Association.

9. Irish Football Association • THE IFA’s Head of Community Relations, Michael Boyd and IFA Community Relations Officer, Colleen Macauley delivered Football For All anti-sectarian training. • The Programme promoted the personal development of 120 young people, aged 14-18, from designated Renewing Community areas (North and East Belfast and Newtownabbey). The initiative helped to forge positive links between the local community, schools, football clubs (Linfield, Glentoran, Cliftonville and Crusaders) and local businesses.   • The partnership between YENI and the IFA brought together ‘sport and enterprise’ and provided opportunities for students to learn about business while developing key skills such as team work, football coaching, leadership, the importance of child protection, community relations and enterprise.