Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

Liverpool FC Community Department is to make a return visit to Belfast this summer to join a Church of Ireland youth initiative in the Upper Shankill area. Running from Thursday 17-Saturday 19 August, some 300 youngsters are expected to attend a three-day soccer school and life skills programme.

The highlight of the event will be the appearance of the European Cup won by Liverpool last year. It will be brought to Paisley Park in West Belfast on Thursday 17 August. Children who are in the summer programme will have the opportunity to have their photographs taken with the cup.

The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Revd Alan Harper, said, 'I salute Liverpool FC and its panel of Community Coaches for once more agreeing to give time and energy this summer for the benefit of young people in a deprived part of Belfast. The inspiration and motivation this will bring to the football loving youngsters of the Shankill will be immense.

'This is now the third year that such a scheme in association with the Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor has taken place. Not only do the Community Coaches pass on footballing skills they also help the young people to acquire life skills and values that will stay with them for decades to come. I want to thank the Football Club, the Revd Bill Bygroves (Club Chaplain), and all the members of the Coaching staff for what they are doing for us all.'

Church Army Community Evangelist, Sr Valerie Thom, who heads up the project said, 'As well as the coaches passing on football skills they try to raise children's awareness of subjects like bullying and drugs. The Community Coaching staff and the club they represent are just the kind of positive role models our young people need.'

Notes to Editors:

Media are invited to a photocall of local children with the European Cup in Paisley Park on Thursday 17 August from 10.00am. There will be discussions and teaching on subjects such as bullying and drugs from the Liverpool FC chaplain, the Revd Bill Bygroves for children who are taking part in the programme.

The Cup will depart the park at 12 noon at the latest.

Further information visit: www.ireland.anglican.org