Thirty young people from Drogheda and Belfast took part in the first round of a cross-border training programme last weekend hosted by Drogheda United FC in partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation aimed at bringing together young people together to develop leadership skills.

The programme is part of the Beyond the Ball community engagement programme, a cross-border initiative that encourages young people to work together as leaders and role models in their communities, investing in education and training qualifications for local young people.

The programme, which runs through the summer holidays, offers leadership and diversity training, as well as weekly football sessions.

Funded by the International Fund for Ireland, the Beyond the Ball community programme has been delivered across the island of Ireland by the Rio Ferdinand Foundation team since 2023 and has seen just under 1,000 young people from underrepresented areas participate in weekly education and training sessions, earning skills that empower them to create change within their community.

One of the Drogheda participants in the programme, 17-year-old Sean Mulhern, said: "I didn't know what to expect going into it. The qualification helped me understand what makes a good leader and how I have more of the skills and qualities of a leader than I expected.

“I also got to meet new people from other areas who we hadn't met before. Been a great few weeks getting to know the Foundation, and I'm excited for our London trip."

Another 17-year-old, Jamie Elliot from Belfast, said: "This is the second time we have had the chance to meet with young people from Drogheda. They're spot on, and we share plenty of similar interests.

“I've now completed my second qualification with the Foundation, and it's great that I can add these to my CV as I apply for jobs in the near future. I also enjoyed playing football on the pitch at Drogheda United."

“Events like this is what the partnership between the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Drogheda United FC are all about - building communities and empowering young people” said Drogheda United chairperson, Joanna Byrne.

“All involved in the Drogs are delighted to host the upcoming cross-border event and play our part in uniting our Island through football. I commend everyone involved in this initiative and look forward to watching the youths involved grow from strength to strength and flourish with the support of this project."

“I am delighted to see these young people taking the next steps in youth leadership as part of the partnership between Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Drogheda United.

“The team at Drogheda United have been brilliant in delivering some high-quality work over the summer so far, and I would like to thank everyone at the club for their commitment to this partnership and their commitment to their local community.”

CEO of the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, Gary Stannett, said: “It’s impressive that already we have seen young people from the town participate in tournaments in Omagh, training in Donegal, and next week some of them will be in London to meet young leaders from our programme there as well as visiting English Premier League Clubs and the Irish Embassy.”

“I am especially pleased that young people from Belfast have travelled to participate and build those relationships on a cross-border basis. These young people will be the leaders of the future, and it’s uplifting to see so many wanting to get involved, and I can’t wait to get back to Drogheda for the tournament on August 19.”

Belfast teams will return to play in a cross-border tournament for young people on August 19 at Sullivan & Lambe Park. The tournament, organised by the Drogheda cohort, will see teams from Derry/Donegal, Sligo/Leitrim, and Fermanagh/Tyrone unite in a unique competition that promises to engage further and unite the community.