AQW 37293/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 09/10/2014
Answered On Date: 22/10/2014
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what support her Department has provided to grass roots soccer programmes in East Londonderry since 2011.

Answer:

Sport NI, an arms length body of my Department, has supported grassroots football in the constituency area since 2011 through the presence of a sports development officer who has offered a range of opportunities to clubs in the area. These include the hosting of a North West Coaching Forum for coaches and club volunteers in 2011 and 2013; ongoing guidance and support around the ‘Clubmark’ accreditation scheme; and offering bespoke coach development workshops in the region during 2011 and 2012. The officer has also attended local club presentation nights on behalf of Sport NI.

In the 2013/14 financial year, the Foyle Cup received funding of £30,000 as part of the 2013 City of Culture. In addition, throughout the City of Culture year, the Irish Football Association delivered a wide range of football training initiatives including soccer schools, street leagues and coaching courses as well as the UEFA Grassroots Day Festival of Football 2013.