Boots off, for leadership training at Drogheda United FC
Drogheda United FC hosted a cross-border training programme, bringing together young people from Drogheda and Belfast to develop leadership skills.
The training programme is part of the Beyond the Ball community engagement programme, which launched in County Louth this summer. This cross-border initiative encourages young people to work together as leaders and role models in their communities, investing in education and training qualifications for local young people.
The first round of training took place at Drogheda United FC on July 19, 2025, and was attended by 30 young people. The accredited training provided by the Rio Ferdinand Foundation builds confidence and develops interpersonal skills, while creating pathways to employability.
The training programme is part of a partnership between Premier League club Drogheda United FC and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, aimed at enhancing employability and improving social mobility in County Louth. The programme, which runs through the summer holidays, offers leadership and diversity training, as well as weekly football sessions.
Funded by the International Fund for Ireland, the Beyond the Ball community programme has been delivered across the island of Ireland by the Rio Ferdinand Foundation team since 2023 and has seen just under 1000 young people from underrepresented areas participate in weekly education and training sessions, earning skills that empower them to create change within their community.
“I didn’t know what to expect going into it. The qualification helped me understand what makes a good leader and how I have more of the skills and qualities of a leader than I expected. I also got to meet new people from other areas whom we hadn’t met before. Been a great few weeks getting to know the Foundation, and I’m excited for our London trip.”
- Sean Mulhern, age 17 from Drogheda
“This is the second time we have had the chance to meet with young people from Drogheda. They’re spot on, and we share plenty of similar interests. I’ve now completed my second qualification with the Foundation, and it’s great that I can add these to my CV as I apply for jobs in the near future. I also enjoyed playing football on the pitch at Drogheda United.”
- Jamie Elliot, age 17 from Belfast
“Events like this is what the partnership between the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Drogheda United FC are all about - building communities and empowering young people. All involved in the Drogs are delighted to host the upcoming cross-border event and play our part in uniting our Island through football. I commend everyone involved in this initiative and look forward to watching the youths involved grow from strength to strength and flourish with the support of this project.”
- Joanna Byrne, chairperson, Drogheda United FC
“I am delighted to see these young people taking the next steps in youth leadership as part of the partnership between Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Drogheda United.
“The team at Drogheda United have been brilliant in delivering some high-quality work over the summer so far, and I would like to thank everyone at the club for their commitment to this partnership and their commitment to their local community.
“It’s impressive that already we have seen young people from the town participate in tournaments in Omagh, training in Donegal, and next week some of them will be in London to meet young leaders from our programme there as well as visiting English Premier League Clubs and the Irish Embassy.”
“I am especially pleased that young people from Belfast have travelled to participate and build those relationships on a cross-border basis. These young people will be the leaders of the future, and it’s uplifting to see so many wanting to get involved, and I can’t wait to get back to Drogheda for the tournament on August 19.”
- Gary Stannett, CEO, Rio Ferdinand Foundation
Belfast teams will return to play in a cross-border tournament for young people on August 19 at Sullivan & Lambe Park. The tournament, organised by the Drogheda cohort, will see teams from Derry/Donegal, Sligo/Leitrim, and Fermanagh/Tyrone unite in a unique competition that promises to engage further and unite the community.
