DOWN Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) in conjunction with the East Down GAA Board launched their ‘Night Time Gaelic’ programme.
[caption id="attachment_42984" align="alignleft" width="390"]
Some of the young players from East Down GAA clubs at teh opening night of the gaelic football initiative at St Patrick’s Grammar School 3G pitches with Cllr Wiliie Clarke, PCSP Chairman, Peter Turley, Down senior player, and Sean McCashin, East Gown GAA chairman.[/caption]This innovative new sports initiative, combined with community safety workshops, will run every Friday from Friday 4 Octoberxa0until the 25 October on the 3G pitches at St Patrick’s Grammar School on Downpatrick. Over 100 young players were involved on the opening night.
The programme has attracted nearly 100 young people, aged between 12 and 14 years old, from under 14’s GAAxa0 clubs across Down district. Every Friday the different clubs will play against each other in friendly matchesxa0 and will give participants the opportunity to meet new friends and learn new football skills. In addition, Jamie Rea from ASCERT will attend the four sessions highlighting the impact of alcohol and drugs through interactive exercises.
PCSP Chair, Councillor Willie Clarke, said: “During the run up to the Halloween period, anti-social behaviour escalates and it is important to provide diversionary activities to reduce the number of young people on the streets. Young people tend to be at a loose end during this period and it is essential they are provided with activities to participate in.”
East Down GAA Board Chair, Sean McCashin added: “This is an exciting new initiative and we are delighted with the uptake from clubs across the district and look forward to working with PCSP in the future. Sport plays an important part not only in encouraging participation but developing life skills.”
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