Write a commentRepresentatives from local sports associations attended the latest Shared Areas presentation at St Joseph’s Boys’ HS, Newry to lend their continuing support to the community based, sports redevelopment project.
In his address, project coordinator Brendan Fearon highlight the collective benefits that the project would have for the wider community, in particular for the youth, the elderly and local sports groups. After thanking those present for their ongoing contributions, Mr Fearon made reference to over fifty local groups who are positively championing the sports redevelopment initiative commenting, ‘The scale of support towards the Shared Areas project is extraordinary and it is a testament to the community-wide endorsement that the momentum for the initiative continues to grow. In essence, these planned facilities will ensure that St Joseph’s remains an integral hub of the community by permitting as many people as possible to avail of much needed health and fitness resources.’ The proposed facilities will include a 3G football pitch, interior and exterior climbing walls, external gym equipment, fitness suite and cycle provision.
As a past pupil of St Joseph’s, Banjo Bannon spoke passionately of his commitment to the project adding ‘St Joseph’s has always championed the belief that everyone can play an active role in society and no one should be denied an opportunity to better themselves because of financial restrictions. Furthermore, the school itself is strategically located in an ideal position to attract wide-spread use of the climbing walls since no other such facility exists in the stretch between Belfast and Dublin.’
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Derek Rocks from St John Bosco GFC said ‘There is a long pedigree of positive partnerships between the Bosco and St Joseph’s over many years, and we are delighted to once again support such a significant project that will help redevelop the local area and provide such a range of key facilities. We feel that these future resources will permit many sports clubs to actively retain the talent and capability of young players for a longer period of time so that they can enjoy the positive experiences of sport more effectively.’
Newry & Mourne Area Community Development Office, Mrs Cathy Magee explained that ‘The Shared Areas project has the potential to allow everyone throughout the community to actively engage in life improving activities, in particular the older members of our community. These facilities are urgently needed for many people in rural areas and I’m delighted that they have been factored so positively in the extensive planning process.’
Mr Anthony Marron from Midway FC commented that ‘Midway is supporting the sports project 100%. Shared Areas is doing something that should have been done twenty years ago by listening to the community, working with the community and supporting the needs of the community. We know that there is a great need in the area to provide better soccer facilities, particularly at under age level, and it is truly commendable that the interest of community groups lies at the heart of these proposed facilities.’
Reflecting on the 3G proposals, Leigh Sillery from the Irish FA explained that ‘the IFA has identified six long term objectives as part of its Strategic Plan including creating a healthy domestic game at all levels, building a culture of lifelong participation in football and reaching beyond the game through the power of football for health, education and social development. The Shared Areas project clearly dovetails with these strategic objectives and I’m delighted to see such a proactive approach to addressing grassroots development in the area, with such widespread support from local clubs’
Shared Areas is a not-for-profit organisation and for further information please contact Brendan Fearon bfearon877@c2kni.net on 02830262595 or via www.facebook.com/SharedAreas
