Ballymena Norstar Inline Hockey Club hosted a celebration night for the ending of their first ever Learn to Skate program.
The children showed off their new skills during a roller disco and several of the children have now moved up to join the club and will now learn to play Inline Hockey.
The Learn to skate programme is supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.
Radius currently has 14 shared housing developments across Northern Ireland, and is currently developing a new £26m, 135 home project at the former St Patrick’s Barracks site in Ballymena.
Through the support received from Radius Housing the club were able to purchase 20 sets of equipment and covered the associated costs of offering free places for 40 Learn to Skate participants.
The club has been working in partnership with the three closest schools to Ballymena North Business Centre where the program has been based; Braidside Integrated Primary, Dunclug Primary and St. Brigid’s Primary to promote the program.
Such was the interest, approximately 150 applications were received for only 40 places. With the equipment provided from the program, the club will be able to provide future opportunities for all those budding skaters out there.
Thanks to local councillors, Bréanainn Lyness and Rodney Quigley who were in attendance on the night, alongside Paul Frew local MLA, for their support.
The club is actively advocating for the inclusion of flooring which would allow Norstar to play in the new Leisure Centre without detriment to the existing users which is currently in the consultation stages. The club’s current home in Ballymena North does not have a viewing gallery or large hall of the size needed to host competitions. The club will be entering U11 and U13 age groups next year.
The PSNI Community Policing Team were also in attendance with the first outing of their brand-new youth engagement van which is kitted out for community outreach with games consoles and screens.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of club jerseys and certificates by two very special guests. Lisa Mooney from Radius Housing and Andrew Dickson from the Belfast Giants both of whom have been great supporters of the club this year.
Lisa Mooney, Communities Officer, Radius Housing said:
“It was wonderful to attend the celebration event on Friday evening and see the progress made by the children taking part. It was fantastic to speak to the parents and children involved, they have really enjoyed the programme and are passionate about continuing on the journey with the club.
“It’s been a pleasure to support the development of this inclusive sport in Ballymena and congratulations to Norstar on their successful delivery.”
Congratulations to all the course participants who have taken part in the first Learn to Skate. The club would like to extend a huge thanks to the parents who brought their kids every Saturday.
Saturday 13th April was the beginning of the second Learn to Skate 12 week program and the club look forward very much to teaching this new intake some skills!
If you are interested in future opportunities with Norstar Inline Hockey, please get in touch by email: info.norstarhockey@gmail.com