Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has hailed the Glentoran Social Partnership as a game-changer as the East Belfast club launches its 2023/24 Impact Report, revealing the delivery of an estimated £2.9 million in social value.
Delivered in collaboration with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, the Glentoran Social Partnership has engaged more than 3,500 people through over 20 transformative programmes across the past two years.
From youth development and leadership training to social inclusion initiatives and cross-community projects, the Glentoran Social Partnership has harnessed the power of football to break down barriers, champion diversity and inspire young people across East Belfast and beyond.
The launch of the 2023/24 Impact Report follows the announcement that the Rio Ferdinand Foundation has been awarded more than £1 million in PeacePlus funding to deliver a cross-border peace academy in partnership with Glentoran and Sligo Rovers.
The funding will support expanded opportunities for young people to engage in cross-community initiatives through sport, media and creative expression, building on the success of the Glentoran Social Partnership’s impactful work.
Rio Ferdinand said: “The collaboration between the Glentoran Social Partnership and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation is a key partnership for us in Northern Ireland and we’re building a platform that will continue to grow, break barriers and transform lives.
“Seeing an estimated £2.9 million in social value created by Glentoran Social Partnership through football shows the incredible impact that sport can have when it’s rooted in community, opportunity and ambition.
“Our goal is to create opportunities, inspire the next generation, and use football as a catalyst for lasting positive change. I’m proud that my Foundation is working with the Glentoran Social Partnership in delivering real pathways for young people.”
The Glentoran Social Partnership was recently recognised at the 2025 NIFL Football Awards, winning Club Community Initiative of the Year for its outstanding work in promoting health, wellbeing, and inclusion across East Belfast and beyond.
It also received the Community Impact Award at the 2024 EastSide Awards, celebrating its significant and lasting contribution to the local community.
Ali Pour, Owner of Glentoran Football Club, said: “Football has the power to change lives, and the Glentoran Social Partnership is proof of what’s possible. Delivering an estimated £2.9 million in social value and engaging more than 3,500 people across East Belfast and beyond is an incredible achievement – but for us, this is only the beginning.
“Glentoran is more than just a football club – it is a cornerstone of our community. Through our partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, we are building pathways for young people, promoting inclusion, and creating real opportunities for lasting, positive change.
“To take this impact even further, investment through the NI Football Fund would be critical – allowing us to transform The Oval into a modern, multi-purpose facility at the heart of our community, growing Glentoran’s social impact for generations to come.”
A key pillar of the Glentoran Social Partnership’s work is the Beyond the Ball programme, supported by the International Fund for Ireland, which has engaged over 1,200 young people through weekly football sessions, accredited leadership training and cross-border tournaments.
The Glentoran Christmas & Homeless Appeal has provided vital support across the community, distributing 514 food hampers, delivering £18,000 worth of toys to 274 children and supplying hot meals and survival packs to 140 homeless individuals.
Creative workshops delivered in partnership with Youth Initiatives East Belfast, 5th Element NI and CODO Art engaged over 100 young people, culminating in a public exhibition.
Through the Hello Neighbour & Nature programme with Ulster Wildlife, young people also participated in 14 weekly nature sessions, promoting environmental responsibility and wellbeing.
The club further strengthened its inclusivity efforts by partnering with Choice Housing and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation to deliver 28 weekly football sessions for the Somalian community to connect through sport.
Colin Jess, Chairman of Glentoran Football Club, said: “We are incredibly proud of the impact the Glentoran Social Partnership has delivered – not just in numbers, but in the lives it has impacted, the opportunities it has created and the communities it continues to bring together through football.
“We must thank the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, whose partnership and leadership have been instrumental in supporting this journey. Together, we’ve shown what can be achieved when sport is used as a platform for unity, growth and social change.
“But we’re not standing still. In 2025 and beyond, we’ll take the next step with the Foundation as we work alongside Sligo Rovers to deliver a cross-border peace academy – a bold initiative that will strengthen relationships, develop young leaders and build lasting impact across the island of Ireland.
“We’re proud of what’s been achieved, but even more excited about what’s to come.”