Fresh Start Through Sport 2023-2024 Addendum: The Ambassador Initiative

Brendan Coyle; Conor Murray

Fresh Start Through Sport 2023-2024 Addendum: The Ambassador Initiative

Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report

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Abstract

While the initial evaluation of FSTS in 2023-24 referenced the Ambassador initiative as a positive innovation, a full assessment of its impact was intentionally scoped for future research. This addendum delivers on that aim, presenting a narrative-based evaluation of the Ambassador initiative. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with five FSTS Ambassadors, this brief report explores the lived impact of the Ambassador initiative. The narratives in each case study present evidence of positive change across a range of domains, from improved mental health and mental health literacy, to employment, educational progression, and civic engagement. Collectively, the case studies make a robust case for the initiative’s continued support, development, and consistent integration into the wider FSTS programme and beyond.

Original language	English
Publisher	Ulster University
Commissioning body	Irish Football Association Foundation
Number of pages	12
Publication status	Published online - 5 Sept 2025

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Keywords

youth
sports-based interventions
sport and communities
youth participation

Access to Document

The Ambassador Initiative, 2023-24 Addendum (FINAL)Final published version, 336 KB

“Take the opportunity while it's there”: An Evaluation of Fresh Start Through Sport 2024-25. Belfast: Irish Football Association.
Coyle, B., Murray, C., Walker, R. & Walsh, C., 16 Dec 2025, (Published online) 60 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report

Open Access
File
"Getting the Ball Moving": An Evaluation of Fresh Start Through Sport 2023-24
Coyle, B., Murray, C., Niblock, T. & Walsh, C., 15 Oct 2024, (Published online) 56 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report

Open Access
File

Cite this

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abstract = "While the initial evaluation of FSTS in 2023-24 referenced the Ambassador initiative as a positive innovation, a full assessment of its impact was intentionally scoped for future research. This addendum delivers on that aim, presenting a narrative-based evaluation of the Ambassador initiative. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with five FSTS Ambassadors, this brief report explores the lived impact of the Ambassador initiative. The narratives in each case study present evidence of positive change across a range of domains, from improved mental health and mental health literacy, to employment, educational progression, and civic engagement. Collectively, the case studies make a robust case for the initiative{\textquoteright}s continued support, development, and consistent integration into the wider FSTS programme and beyond.",

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AB - While the initial evaluation of FSTS in 2023-24 referenced the Ambassador initiative as a positive innovation, a full assessment of its impact was intentionally scoped for future research. This addendum delivers on that aim, presenting a narrative-based evaluation of the Ambassador initiative. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with five FSTS Ambassadors, this brief report explores the lived impact of the Ambassador initiative. The narratives in each case study present evidence of positive change across a range of domains, from improved mental health and mental health literacy, to employment, educational progression, and civic engagement. Collectively, the case studies make a robust case for the initiative’s continued support, development, and consistent integration into the wider FSTS programme and beyond.

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Fresh Start Through Sport 2023-2024 Addendum: The Ambassador Initiative

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

Access to Document

Fingerprint

Research output

“Take the opportunity while it's there”: An Evaluation of Fresh Start Through Sport 2024-25. Belfast: Irish Football Association.

"Getting the Ball Moving": An Evaluation of Fresh Start Through Sport 2023-24

Cite this