20/11/2024
Equality Commission and Street Soccer NI team up for the 'Equality Cup' football tournament on ‘International Men's Day’
The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland teamed up with Street Soccer NI for the first ever ‘Equality Cup’ five-a-side football tournament to mark International Men’s Day. The theme for this year’s International Men’s Day is ‘positive male role models.’
The tournament was held on Tuesday 19 November at the Ozone, Ormeau Park in Belfast. It is one of a series of events to mark the 25th anniversary of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and brought together teams from across the various equality groups to compete and promote mutual understanding through sport.
Geraldine McGahey, Chief Commissioner, Equality Commission for Northern Ireland expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership with Street Soccer Northern Ireland: “We are delighted to partner with Street Soccer for International Men’s Day. Football has an incredible ability to unite people from all walks of life in a spirit of fun and friendship. Through this tournament, we will further develop partnerships to help support men from often hard to reach groups to ensure they know their equality rights and how to access support if they feel they have experienced discrimination.”
Justin McMinn, Co-Founder and CEO, Street Soccer NI, commented: “Collaborating with the Equality Commission on this tournament to mark International Men’s Day has been a fantastic opportunity. Our work revolves around uniting diverse groups, and football is a universal language for that purpose. Sport can play a powerful role in helping communities, this unique partnership will bring groups together, combining sports and social support to foster inclusion and build awareness around equality rights.”
Street Soccer NI is a charity working with marginalised groups across Northern Ireland, including refugees, asylum seekers, individuals experiencing homelessness, people with mental health issues, and individuals with learning disabilities.