Fresh Start Through Sport (Part 2)

In October 2020 the IFA, GAA, Ulster Rugby and the Belfast Giants partnered to deliver a sport-based intervention: Fresh Start Through Sport. The aim of the programme is to utilise the universal appeal of sport to provide physical activity, sports-based learning and support for individuals, engaging with young people who are at risk of becoming involved in paramilitarism and/or organised crime. Supported by the Department of Justice, Police Service of Northern Ireland and Department for Communities, participants will include young males and females aged 16-24 years from areas identified by the Fresh Start organisers and coordinators: East Belfast, North Belfast, Rathcoole and Carrickfergus. The four key sporting partners will deliver a series of sixteen sport-based modules, focusing on areas such as disability, racism and mental health in sport. The purpose of this is to guide and support participants in identifying and making positive life choices, with the ultimate goal of providing a pathway into coaching and/or volunteering through their chosen sport. The research will be an evaluation of the Fresh Start programme, measuring core project outcomes articulated in an Outcome-based Accountability model provided by the project organisers. These project outcomes are thematically organised around physical and mental health, communication skills, team-working, and active citizenship.