Bannsiders unveil community art

Football fans from Coleraine Youth Inclusion Project with mentor Michael Walker who were instrumental in the concept and design of the "Field of Dreams" project.

The ‘Field of Dreams—Legacy for Life’ community artwork project, which details the club’s history right throughto present day, was unveiled at the front of the Social Club building.

This initiative was an intergenerational citizenship and arts programme targeting three groups of young people who were at risk of antisocial behaviour from Millburn, Knocklyn and Greenmount supported by Coleraine Football Club Community Liaison and Coleraine Academy, Causeway Rural & urban Network and PSNI Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Coleraine club chairman Colin McKendry emphasised the project’s importance to the club. “Coleraine FC are delighted to have such a prominent piece of artwork on show at the Coleraine Showgrounds,” said Colin.

“What is most pleasing is that the collaboration of the various pieces helps underline the close association, between the football club, football in general and the local community from the beginning of century to the present day.”

The art workshops were jointly funded by the PSNI Policing in the Community Fund and the International Fund for Ireland through CRUN Good Relations Project. Ross Wilson worked with the young people to develop the images which culminated in the production of the art pieces and the development of art skills in the participants.

*See P46 for full report and pictures