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Housing Executive help D3Mac group score lifelong goals

Teamwork across the divide: Pictured with young footballers at the D3Mac cross-community football sessions held at Ballymena North Business Centre and supported by the Housing Executive Cohesion grant are, (from left to right), John Read, Housing Executive’s Good Relations Officer, Mid and East Antrim, Adam Gordon, football coach and Peter Havelin, D3Mac Community Worker.
Teamwork across the divide: Pictured with young footballers at the D3Mac cross-community football sessions held at Ballymena North Business Centre and supported by the Housing Executive Cohesion grant are, (from left to right), John Read, Housing Executive’s Good Relations Officer, Mid and East Antrim, Adam Gordon, football coach and Peter Havelin, D3Mac Community Worker.

Togetherness, teamwork and respect is the name of the game for a cross community football project funded by the Housing Executive, in the heart of Ballymena.

£1,852.92 was awarded to the DSMac group in Dunclug via Community Cohesion funding from the Housing Executive, to support their sterling efforts enabling young people to recognise you don’t have to support the same team to work as a team.

The only talk of division in this project was of the football league variety as children from a range of religious and ethnic backgrounds wore their favourite football kits to play the game they love together.

Peter Havelin, D3Mac Project Coordinator said, “We are super proud of what we have achieved here and particular thanks to the Housing Executive for funds which have secured the hall for a full term, making our club affordable and accessible to all. 

“So many children have gained in confidence, while a couple of girls in particular have discovered a new sport that they love.  

“We encourage our players to wear whatever kits they like because that’s the way in should be.”

John Read, Housing Executive Mid and East Antrim Good Relations Officer, said, “This project is the perfect way for local children and young people to meet to play football, regardless of their religion, race or gender. 

“It is great exercise for the kids and part of the reason the club is thriving is because their main focus is on having fun rather than producing the perfect player.”

“It will be exciting to watch as the group develops and additional projects will enable and encourage young people from all different backgrounds to continue to work together.