About Us
Using football as a catalyst for lasting positive change in East Belfast and beyond.
Our Mission
Glentoran Football Club has always supported the local community. Through the Glentoran Social Partnership, we've formalised this commitment, building partnerships with stakeholders including the Rio Ferdinand Foundation to demonstrate that this is more than a football club — it's a hub of community activity.
Our work represents £2.9 million in social value.
Our Approach
We use football, sport, music, art, fashion, digital technology, and gardening as pathways to engage people who might otherwise be hard to reach. Glentoran is a 'neutral' brand — trusted across communities and borders.
Through cross-border and cross-community opportunities, we bring people together, break down barriers, and create routes to education, employment, and personal growth.
Our Four Pillars
A structured pathway from first engagement through to lasting progression.
Safe Spaces
Health & Wellbeing
Inclusive Communities
Progression Pathways
Our Programmes
Delivering real impact through targeted community programmes.
Beyond the Ball
Peacebuilding, youth leadership and personal progression through football. Cross-border and cross-community activities including tournaments, workshops, and residential trips.
Glentoran & Ashfield Academy
Full-time football scholarship and education programme. Students study BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, with a 93.3% achievement rate for A*-C grades.
Glentoran Inclusion Team
Providing opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in inclusive recreational sports and social events, including cross-border tournaments.
Pop In & Play
Weekly community football sessions for local children and families, sponsored by Four Star Pizza. 57 sessions since January 2024.
Somalian Soccer Sessions
28 weekly football sessions providing integration and community for the local Somalian community.
Hello Neighbour & Nature
Gardening and nature education sessions for local residents, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Partnership with Ulster Wildlife and RNIB.
Men's Monday Club
Weekly social group for men at the football club, combining companionship with volunteer maintenance work.
Christmas & Homeless Appeal
Annual appeal delivering 514 food hampers, £18,000 worth of toys to 274 children, Christmas dinners for 64 pensioners, and support for homeless shelters.
Geographic Reach
Our programmes extend across Northern Ireland and into the border counties of Ireland.
Where We Work
Northern Ireland
Border Counties / Ireland
Recognition
2023 East Side Award for Community Impact
Winner