A trio of players from the Irish FA's JD Academy paid a visit to a west Belfast foodbank this week with a special Christmas delivery.
JD Academy players Emmett Morrison (Derry City), Brandon Downey (Crusaders), and Paul Stanfield (Cliftonville) joined Stephen Lynch (JD Academy Staff) to drop off a quantity of new footballs to be given out to kids on Christmas Day.
"We know how important it is to use our influence, and to reach out where possible," said Lynch, who is familiar with the “quite unbelievable” work being done at Foodstock and at similar such organisations across Northern Ireland.
"Our young players all want to be footballers, and we want to instil good behaviours in them and demonstrate to them the power of football off the pitch as well as on it.”
Foodstock manager, Paul Doherty, said: “There are many families sadly contemplating not having a Christmas this year due to financial pressures. At Foodstock, we aren't prepared to let that happen.
“We are very grateful for the support of the Irish FA and we know that their kind donation of footballs will bring much joy to many children throughout our communities this Christmas.
“Foodstock is currently reaching hundreds of homes on a weekly basis with food support, gifts for children and will deliver 350 meals over the festive period.”
JD Academy visit Foodstock
