Youth Exchange programme boosts East/West relations
On Monday, 21st July 2025, participants from the Beyond the Ball Community Programme embarked on a three-day adventure in London—a rare and unique overseas opportunity for community connection, skills development and cultural enrichment.
20 young people from Ireland, and Northern Ireland, united with 20 of their peers from London in a visit that encourages cross-border relationships and the sharing of experiences and challenges. This collaboration is driven by a shared ambition to build stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities on both a cross-border and East-West basis.
“As the Beyond the Ball programme continues to go from strength to strength, I am really pleased that my Foundation has welcomed young leaders from Ireland and Northern Ireland to my home city of London.
“It’s a great opportunity for people from all backgrounds to get together and share experiences, build relationships and learn new skills for the future - which is the essence of what the Foundation does in communities across the UK and Ireland.”
- Rio Ferdinand, Founder, Rio Ferdinand Foundation
The cultural exchange, delivered by the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, is part of the Beyond the Ball Community Programme, an initiative funded by the International Fund for Ireland, and is offered in Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Antrim, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Derry/Londonderry, Belfast, and Louth.
Since its establishment in 2023, the programme has focused on building lasting relationships across borders and communities, successfully engaging over 1,000 young people in leadership and community cohesion projects.
“The IFI’s ‘Communities in Partnership Programme’, which funds the ‘Beyond the Ball’ Project is focused on embedding lasting relationships on a cross-border and cross-community basis. The London Exchange Programme has provided twenty amazing young leaders from Ireland and Northern Ireland with the opportunity to deepen awareness and knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing their counterparts.
Initiatives such as this play a key role in helping our young people to develop a deeper awareness and appreciation of the lived experiences of their peers and overall support the development of sustainable collaborative relationships, on a cross-border and East-West basis.”
- Shona McCarthy, Chairperson, International Fund for Ireland (IFI)
The London exchange is a testament to the Beyond the Ball programme's mission, which is about more than just football. It is an opportunity to unite and educate, providing opportunities for young people to learn skills such as leadership, communications and teamworking, build relationships, and become future leaders.
“Our recent trip to London was nothing short of incredible. We had the privilege of bringing 20 young people from Northern Ireland and Ireland—many of whom had never been to London before—for an unforgettable journey of connection, learning, and inspiration. From exploring iconic landmarks to visiting Premier League football clubs, the experience showcased the power of sport in developing leadership and creating positive change in communities.
“A true highlight was engaging in meaningful conversations at Westminster with a Baroness, deepening our understanding of East-West relations between London and the Executive Office in Northern Ireland and Ireland. We also visited the Irish Embassy to explore the evolving relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland. We even took to the pitch with young people from South London, building friendships through football.
“This shared experience left a lasting impact on both the young people and our team. It was more than a trip—it was a transformative journey filled with learning, laughter, and memories that will stay with us all.”
- Darryl Forsythe, Head of programmes NI/IRE, Rio Ferdinand Foundation
During the visit the young people participated in workshops on empowerment, communication, and shared values and identities. They also had the opportunity to visit the Irish Embassy, to learn about the role of the embassy and the importance of Irish / UK relations in terms of economy, society and cultural connections, as well as engage with the UN Commission for Human Rights for Northern Ireland.
Guided by Baroness Anderson, the Government spokesperson for Northern Ireland in the House of Lords, the young people also experienced Parliament and participated in a Q&A session in Westminster.
Whilst visits to Premier League Football Clubs including Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur FC to see the work of their Foundations, provided useful insight into the role of sport in building communities. The experience concluded with a cross-community, cross-border football match, the perfect end to an experience that offered opportunities Beyond the Ball.
“This was the first time I visited London, and it was a fascinating trip. I enjoyed the boat trip on the River Thames; it was an awesome way to take in the sights of London. The stadium tours at Crystal Palace and Arsenal were fantastic, and it was great to learn how football clubs have the power to help people in their local communities.”
- Caileigh Fitzsimons, age 17, Belfast
“I enjoyed my trip to London. Being able to meet new friends through this programme was beneficial. I loved seeing new stadiums that weren’t my club’s one. And being at the Irish Embassy was a truly memorable moment, as you only see these things on TV. Playing football with kids from London was a highlight, and it was great to get to know them better. Loved all of the experiences of this trip.”
- Ethan Zoche, age 16, Sligo
