Ryan McBride Foundation secures boost in Central Good Relations Funding

The Ryan McBride Foundation has secured a major boost of £29,242.15 from the NI Executive’s Central Good Relations Fund to support its community work for the period September 2025 to March 2026.

This funding will part-fund the delivery of a football-based programme designed to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of young people across the Derry and Strabane district. The remainder of the programme will be funded by the Foundation's Go Red For Ryan annual fundraising drive.

Through the initiative, coaching sessions will be delivered in 30 primary schools, using sport as a positive tool to promote inclusion, confidence, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles.

As part of the programme, participating schools will regularly come together to take part in inter-school tournaments, encouraging positive relationships and shared experiences among pupils from different communities.

The programme will culminate in the Ryan McBride Schools Cup, taking place at the end of March with a girls event taking place on Friday, March 20 and boy's event taking place on Friday, March 27 at Bay Road Soccer which will bring together over 30 schools for a day focused on fun, participation, and football.

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In addition, schools currently receiving sessions will take part in the Foundation's annual Go Red for Ryan Day on May 5. On this special day, schools will turn red in support of the Foundation, helping to raise vital funds while continuing to celebrate and preserve Ryan's legacy through community engagement and sport.

Any funds raised are invested back into our schools programme and communities to help our young people reach their highest potential.

The Ryan McBride Foundation was established in 2017 by the family of Derry City captain Ryan McBride who passed away aged 27. The Foundation provides coaching and mentoring to over 2000 children every week throughout counties Derry, Donegal and Tyrone.

The Foundation aim to support, assist and inspire young people to fulfil their potential. The Ryan McBride Foundation remains committed to creating opportunities for young people through sport, promoting wellbeing, and strengthening community relations.