Choice and East Belfast Graffiti Art group produce a wall art piece dedicated to the Rio Ferdinand Foundation at Glentoran's The Oval. Upon completion of a six month programme, young people from South and East Belfast came together to create a lasting tribute to the Rio Ferdinand Foundation at Glentoran FC grounds.
Upon completion of a six month programme, young people from South and East Belfast came together to create a lasting tribute to the Rio Ferdinand Foundation at Glentoran FC grounds.
Reuban Warnock, participant
“The graffiti art project was good, I didn’t know how much fun it was actually going to be. I think the project helped the group to show that there is more things than football, it was really relaxing and calm, it took my mind away wasn’t thinking about much just doing graffiti and having lots of fun.”
Choice partnered with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation to work with young people in east Belfast. 18 participants have achieved the Community Sports Leaders Award (CSLA Level 1) Accreditation, which was a key part of the new initiative using sport, media, and arts to build positive relationships, leadership, skills, and opportunities for young people whilst tackling issues such as racism and inequality at a community level.
The Rio Ferdinand Foundation, set up by former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand, has worked in Northern Ireland since 2016 and provides mentoring and employment pathways to help young people in economically deprived communities.
Local art groups, Graffiti Art and 5th Element facilitated workshops through which the participants could explore expression through art. Glentoran FC have dedicated a wall at The Oval to youth programmes which is used by local groups to display art pieces for the community to enjoy. The young people learned how to sketch their tags (their initials) and were given creative license in the design.
Karla McDermott, Programme Coordinator, Rio Ferdinand Foundation-
“Rio Ferdinand Foundation is all about using youth culture to inspire young people and provide training & education pathways into industries like sport, music, art, and technology. We are thrilled to have the support of 5th Element and Glentoran FC on this community art project in partnership with Choice and so proud of the work the young people put in to create such a fun and colorful piece of artwork to the ‘canvas’ at The Oval.”
Choice Group Chief Executive, Michael McDonnell said,
“The partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation focuses on bettering the lives of young people in our communities. They have clearly developed new friendships with young people from other communities and backgrounds and have learned a great deal from the experience of coaches, and facilitators over the weeks. Hopefully the skills and experiences they have gained through this initiative will stay with them throughout their lives, whatever they choose to do next.”
