PeacePlayers International NI plan to develop Mid & East Antrim hub

They are one of 15 projects receiving grants totalling £1,303,790 to secure their long-term future.

The Dormant Accounts Fund NI, delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund in conjunction with the Department of Finance, is supporting the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector to be more resilient and prepared for the future.

PeacePlayers International NI is using the funding to build capacity by restructuring the organisation and developing a long-term income strategy. Over three years the project will develop a central hub in Belfast with regional hubs across Northern Ireland, including one in Mid and East Antrim. Staff will be able to work more strategically including financial planning, training and development, programme planning, data collection and evaluation, policy reviews, and income generation.

Gareth Harper, Managing Director of PeacePlayers International NI said: “Thanks to this funding we will be able to future proof PeacePlayers to make it fit for purpose and able to continue to run community relations through sport programmes in an efficient and effective way. As an organisation we want to develop our capacity and give staff the opportunity to develop their skills and experiences to help take the organisation forward and provide the best service we can.

“Northern Ireland has continuing issues and organisations like PeacePlayers – who are using sport as a tool for peacebuilding - are still needed, now and in the future. We want to ensure that we have the skills and structure to ensure our programmes are reaching their full potential and can contribute to making Northern Ireland more peaceful.”

Since the programme opened in January 2021, the Dormant Accounts Fund for Northern Ireland has awarded £6,883,194 to 73 organisations including arts, sports, charities and community-based organisations with the money being used to help build long-term sustainability.

Paul Sweeney, The National Lottery Community Fund’s NI Chair, said: “The Dormant Accounts Fund NI has been open for applications for one year now, and we continue to be impressed by the range of organisations applying for funding, looking beyond their day-to-day operational role to plan their long-term future and sustainability.”