About the Partnership
More than a football club
Using football as a catalyst for lasting positive change in East Belfast and beyond.
Our Mission
A hub of community activity
Glentoran Football Club has always supported the local community. Through the Glentoran Social Partnership, we have formalised this commitment, building partnerships with stakeholders including the Rio Ferdinand Foundation to demonstrate that this is more than a football club.
Our Approach
A trusted, neutral brand
We use football, sport, music, art, fashion, digital technology, and gardening as pathways to engage people who might otherwise be hard to reach.
Through cross-border and cross-community opportunities, we bring people together, break down barriers, and create routes to education, employment, and personal growth.
Framework
Our Four Pillars
A structured pathway from first engagement through to lasting progression.
Safe Spaces
Health & Wellbeing
Inclusive Communities
Progression Pathways
What We Do
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.
Reach
Geographic Reach
Our programmes extend across Northern Ireland and into the border counties of Ireland.
Northern Ireland
Belfast
East, West, North & South
Glentoran FCOmagh
Enniskillen
Derry/Londonderry
Ballymena
Ballymena UnitedDungannon
Cross-Border
Donegal
Leitrim
Sligo
Sligo RoversLouth
Drogheda
Drogheda UnitedCross-border programmes are delivered in partnership with League of Ireland clubs, building connections across communities on both sides of the border.
