Council hosts week-long event as part of Youth in Action programme 

25 young people from across the district recently completed a week-long programme as part of Youth in Action.

Hosted at Fermanagh Lakeland Forum by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, in partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and the UEFA Children’s Foundation, the programme brought together young people from across the community and the district who are participating in accredited youth leadership programmes.

The programme commenced with a mental health workshop delivered by Action Mental Health and a question and answer session facilitated by former Chelsea star, Paul Canoville, the first black player to play for Chelsea and now a media commentator and advocate for Mental Health.

Paul shared his experiences of suffering racist abuse inside and outside football with the group and proved to be an engaging and popular speaker.

As well as getting an opportunity to hear at first hand, the personal experiences of a high profile sporting personality, participants also had the opportunity to gain a Community Sports leadership accreditation and take part in a media training and film making workshop facilitated by the Rio Ferdinand Foundation.

The week-long programme concluded with a football competition involving programme participants, a team from Mayo and members of the U16 Enniskillen Rangers football team.

Speaking about the programme, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson, said;

“The Youth in Action programme focuses on tackling inequality, racism and sectarianism and incorporates accredited leadership, vocational training and skills.

I was delighted to have the opportunity to speak with the programme participants and to welcome our visitors from Mayo who participated in the football competition to conclude the week’s activities. From talking to the young people, I was impressed by their enthusiasm and it was evident that they found the programme both interesting and enjoyable.”

Guest speaker, Paul Canoville, said:

“I had a wonderful time working with the Youth in Action group in Enniskillen with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. Understanding and looking after our mental health is important, and I took a lot away from learning with this group. I hope I left some good learning based on my life experiences as well. I look forward to hearing how the group progresses after this event.”

Speaking about the programme, Rio Ferdinand said:

“Youth In Action is a partnership between my Foundation and the UEFA Foundation to put young people in the lead in tackling inequality in their own communities across Northern Ireland and Ireland. The week’s events in Enniskillen has highlighted the talents and commitment of young people to develop new skills and bring about change, and I would like to thank Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for their support and hosting the event.”