New Youth Wing officially opened at Mountjoy United Football Club 

The new youth-wing at Mountjoy United Football Club, funded through the PEACE IV Youth Focused Shared Spaces Programme, was officially opened recently. 

This programme is one of 16 projects included in the Local Action Plan for the district being administered by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and funded under the EU’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match-funding for the Action Plan was provided by The Executive Office, Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development, Ireland. 

Speaking at the launch event, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson said:

‘Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted to support this PEACE IV funded project. The extension to Mountjoy United’s existing clubrooms will encourage new users and bring people from all sections of the community together to form lasting friendships in a safe and shared space through a range of sporting activities and community initiatives.  

It is important not to underestimate the value of a programme like this and the legacy it leaves in helping us all move towards a more inclusive, cohesive society. 

The project is also important for the Council in terms of the contribution it makes towards the achievement of the aims within the Fermanagh and Omagh Community Plan by ensuring our people are healthy and well; our communities are inclusive, safe, resilient and empowered; our people have the best start in life; our economy is thriving, expanding and outward looking and our district is a connected place. 

I am looking forward to attending the launch of other projects across the district which have benefitted from funding through the PEACE IV Youth Focused Shared Spaces Programme to see at first-hand how the funding has made a positive and lasting impact on our communities’. 

Speaking of behalf of the Mountjoy United Football Club, Gareth McFarland said: 

‘The newly extended clubroom is a huge boost for our club in terms of expanding our activities and bringing local communities together to deliver a wider range of new initiatives to include health, well-being and cultural activities.  We are delighted with the outcome of the work which we were able to complete through PEACE IV funding and grateful for the support received from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.  We believe that making small improvements to enhance our facilities is the foundation for a better future for the club as well as the local Community.’

The improvements to Mountjoy United Football Club is one of seven community projects to have benefited from capital investment through the PEACE IV Youth Focused Shared Spaces Programme. Over the coming months, the remaining projects will be officially launched.