Mid Ulster Youth League PDP, Rathfriland

Established in 1996, Mid Ulster Youth League has continued to go from strength to strength and their Player Development Programme attracts young people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds from as far away as Fermanagh to South Down.  They currently have 154 members (aged between 11 and 18) who gather on a weekly basis at the hub/base at the Drumgor Arena in Craigavon to participate in a range of football programmes and initiatives.  They also engage with external facilitators and specialist coaches in fields such as nutrition, hydration and strength and conditioning.  The objective as an organisation is to use a mutual love and shared interest of the beautiful game to inspire young people to live healthier and happier lives – and transferring skills they develop through PDP (eg, effective communication; problem solving; and working efficiently in a team) outside the sporting arena, whether this be in the classroom or local community.  Much of the kit used in PDP has been in storage during lockdown periods, and some items have become misshapen and/or are no longer safe to use.  Replacing items is always a costly exercise for the organisation, hence approaching the Irish Society for assistance with the purchase of 60 footballs; 40 numbered bibs; and 50 assorted colour cones – in an effort to keep their programmes accessible and affordable to all.  Recognising how local businesses that might usually sponsor MUYL are themselves struggling to recover from the pandemic, the Committee was content to offer £714 from The Clothworkers NI Fund as per quotation from The Gordon Group – a one stop personalised merchandise hub, specialising in work and school wear, sports kits, clothing and corporate wear.