Connection Cup big success

The Connection Cup is a scheme run by local youth workers and Lurgan Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) with the support of local business RomTech.

The scheme has been running from 2010 and the NPT have secured funding, through the Policing in the Community Fund, to continue the project for another year.

The Connection Cup kicked off in October 2010 when a group of youth workers from the local area came together with the vision of bringing young people from different backgrounds and religions together through the common interest of football.

The event has run regularly for over a year and Friday night saw the fourth tournament take place.

Neighbourhood Constable Michael Allen said: “The Connection Cup has gone from strength to strength over the last year and we are delighted that we have now secured funding for the next year to keep it going.

“More and more youth centres are joining up and we are working with young people from all over Lurgan, including clubs from Moira.

“The scheme is all about football but it gives young people from different backgrounds the opportunity to meet other young people from different communities. It also gives them the chance to meet us and get to know us and learn how we can offer support and help when it is needed.

“We are currently supported by local business RomTech and we are always looking for more supporters to get involved. The latest tournament was a real success with each of the teams giving their all on the pitch. We are already planning for the next tournament in a few months time and would invite any interested group to contact us.”

Anyone who would like more information can contact Jamie Stoddart at [email protected].