Police Service of Northern Ireland officers have been improving their football coaching skills - as part of community outreach work - with the help of the Irish Football Association’s Foundation.
A partnership between the PSNI and the Foundation has grown from strength to strength since the launch of the Stay Onside programme seven years ago.
The latest initiative in the partnership involved putting more than 20 PSNI officers through the National Coaching Certificate (NCC).
To support the initiative, the Irish FA Foundation donated footballs and coaching equipment to Inspector Pete Cunningham, PSNI Strategic Partnerships and Prevention. The equipment will be used by officers who have attained the NCC.
Mark Dennison, Irish FA Foundation Community Engagement Manager, was delighted to hand over the equipment to Inspector Cunningham.
He said: “This has been an initiative which we are very keen to support. The officers completing their NCC have been really committed and enjoyed the course.
“By providing footballs and equipment it will enable officers to deliver coaching sessions within the community. We look forward to supporting PSNI going forward, working in partnership across many programmes which help all our communities.”
Inspector Cunningham said: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams are integral to the delivery of many programmes within the community which help young people at risk.
“Having the NCC will enable officers to coach within the communities they serve, helping to create a legacy after the delivery of Irish FA community engagement programmes and supporting many young people who want to play football.”
Image: Irish FA Foundation Community Engagement Manager Mark Dennison hands over equipment to PSNI Inspector Pete Cunningham. Looking on are John Marshall (left) and Nadine Murphy (both Irish FA Foundation).
