Diocesan News
Zacchaeus Outreach Project Provides Great Week of Training for Children and Young People with Liverpool Football Club Foundation
The Zacchaeus Outreach Project enjoyed a great four days with the members of Liverpool FC Foundation coaching staff from the 18th to 21st of August 2014 at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena in Cookstown.
The training was a cross–community event involving between 60 and 100 children and young people each day aged between 6 and 17. The event was organised by Sister Valerie Thom (Church Army), assisted at the training and the presentation by a band of helpful volunteers, some from as far away as Belfast.
Presentations following the training days took place in Hanover House, Coagh. At the presentation, Valerie welcomed the Chairman of Cookstown District Council (CDC), members of the PSNI, Cancer Focus NI, and the Archbishop of Armagh, The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke. The Chairman of CDC, Mr Wilbert Buchanan (a member of Crossdernott Parish), gave an opening message and welcome, followed by a talk by PSNI Constable Marty Allen about internet safety.
On the theme of ‘you’ll never walk alone’, Liverpool FC Foundation coaches provided a powerful presentation covering bullying, racism, drugs, gun safety and being a good person. Coach Billy Gerrard spoke of how racism had touched the lives of people he had work with and how wrong it was; Head Coach Eddie Sullivan talked about being bullied at school; Tony Cosgrove told how one of the Foundation coaches had been shot through mistaken identity; Matty Pounder, who is partially sighted, talked about the importance of doing the right thing and being a good person; Ashton Lee talked about footballers who had lost their careers and damaged their personal lives through taking drugs; and the presentation finished with Liam Kizilton speaking about when you have Jesus in your live you will never be alone.
The morning concluded with the Archbishop of Armagh presenting gifts to the coaches (see right) and certificates to all those who had helped with the event and concluding the formal part of the morning with prayer.
Afterwards children, parents and coaches enjoyed spending time in the PSNI vehicles and speaking with representatives from Cancer Focus NI.
A great morning was had by all, concluding a memorable four days of activity.
For further information on the Zacchaeus Outreach Project, Email: zacchaeusproject@btinternet.com or telephone 028 8774 9920