From prison wing to playing on the wing: inmates team up with NI football heroes
NORTHERN Ireland international footballers Josh Magennis and Niall McGinn have taken time out of their preparations for tonight’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Estonia at Windsor Park to spend time with inmates at Maghaberry Prison.
The players were there as part of the IFA Foundation’s Stay Onside Programme, which is aimed at giving offenders the chance to turn their lives around through innovative intervention and to use football to help reduce re-offending and the number of victims of crime.
Dungannon man McGinn (31) plays for Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.
“It was a real privilege to come to the prison, to meet staff and participants and to see first-hand the work that the IFA Foundation does,” he said.
“Football has the power to change lives for the better and this is a great example of how our sport can be used for the good of everyone in society.”
Bangor-born forward Josh Magennis, now with Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Championship, added that he was proud to see the IFA helping to pioneer the programme.
“I was humbled to see the meaningful impact it has on the lives of the participants,” he said.
“Often as players we are concerned with winning our next match, but this programme shows football’s greatest results can be away from the pitch.”
Maghaberry Prison governor David Kennedy said the programme had been well received by inmates.
“Health and fitness are important in the rehabilitation process and, in partnership with the IFA, prisoners have worked towards getting a better understanding of the link between a healthy body and a healthy mind,” he said.
“Our job at Maghaberry Prison is to challenge people and to support them to change. This course has done that in spades. Both the prisoners and staff have engaged in a really positive way. Ultimately, this is another step towards motivating offenders and showing them a better road to take when they’re released.
“The visit of the two international players has been very successful and I have no doubt it will serve to inspire and encourage those in our care.”
The IFA now wants to see some of those taking part progressing to coaching awards.
“It is hoped that a number of these participants will graduate to one of our community programmes where partic- ipants complete their Level 1 Coaching Award, Referee and Respect Workshop and develop their interview and presentation skills,” the IFA said.
“The IFA Foundation is proud to partner with the Department of Justice, the PSNI and the NI Prison Service in providing a programme that has a real impact on the lives of the participants and the communities that they live in.”
The six-week programme is delivered in both custodial settings, such as Maghaberry, Hydebank, Magilligan and Knockbracken, and community settings. Participants undergo a six-week programme, which runs close to their release from prison, and complete workshops in football-related subjects such as coaching, the laws of the game and mental health. Northern Ireland kick off their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign tonight against Estonia (7.45pm) and then face Belarus on Sunday (7.45pm).