PEACEPLUS funds new intergenerational programme in Derry City and Strabane District

THE North West Cricket Union (NWCU) has announced the launch of an exciting two-year initiative, designed to bring the joy and benefits of cricket to non-traditional cricket communities in the Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) area, as well as the adjacent cross-border regions.

The Transforming Communities Through Cricket programme has been awarded £116,988 grant from Derry City and Strabane District Council’s PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan which seeks to promote good relations, foster inclusion and encourage sustainable engagement in physical activity through cricket.

The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)

Cricket, a sport known for building community spirit and teamwork, will now be a tool for breaking down barriers and building relationships across diverse groups.

The project will focus on women and girls, individuals with disabilities and participants from a wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds, including Protestant, Unionist, Loyalist (PUL), Catholic, Nationalist, Republican (CNR) and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

With an emphasis on intergenerational participation, the programme will offer a variety of activities, from dynamic street cricket events to tailored capacity-building sessions.

Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with the broader cricket community through networking and community-building events.

A spokesperson for the initiative said: "This initiative is about more than just cricketi, t is about fostering understanding, unity, and long-term social cohesion through sport.

"By involving people of all ages and backgrounds, the NWCU aims to build a legacy of inclusion and active participation that will benefit communities for years to come.

"NWCU encourages individuals, groups, and organisations interested in learning more about the programme to visit www.northwestcricket.com and explore the PEACEPLUS Funding Programme."