T:BUC JUNIOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME  

06 August  2019

Funding from the Executive Office T:BUC Camps programme, which is administered by the Education Authority, has supported Queen’s to deliver three two week Junior Leadership Programmes this summer, bringing 60 young people from diverse community backgrounds together to gain skills and knowledge in leadership, coaching and good relations.

Mandy Jones from the Executive Office said: “The Together; Building a United Community (T:BUC) strategy was published in May 2013 and reflects the Northern Ireland Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.

“One of the headline actions in the strategy is the T:BUC Camps Programme, which Queen’s Sport received funding from to deliver their T:BUC Junior Leadership Programme. This cross community programme provides an exciting opportunity for young people aged 14-17 to get involved in a good relations programme, which will help develop their skills and delivers activities for children aged 6-14 in conjunction with Queen’s Sport.”

The third of three two-week programmes started (on Monday 29 July) at Queen’s Physical Education Centre (PEC) in Botanic Gardens. Twenty teenagers are currently being given important training in leadership, good relations and coaching skills in various sports to enable them to deliver a range of activities for younger children attending Queen’s Sport’s annual summer scheme. 

Rolled out in the summer of 2015, the programme provides a range of opportunities for young people to come together to build positive relationships across what have become divided parts of the community.

Kevin Murray, who is Sport Development Officer at Queen’s Sport and the 2019 T:BUC Junior Leadership Project Leader, said: “This Project is all about ensuring young people have the ability to lead and coach, as well as fulfilling cross community good relations projects.

“These 'Junior Leaders' are coaching 6-14 year olds across a range of different sports – many of which they have never taken part in previously.

“It’s important that these young people understand the values and the ethos of positive relations and building a brighter future together.”  

The project was supported by staff in DARO, the Development and Alumni Relations Office at Queen's, who were instrumental in helping to bring the project to the University.

“This is a unique opportunity to foster good relations amongst children from diverse backgrounds and for them to learn about, and appreciate, cultural difference and diversity,” said Paddy Gilmore, Trusts and Foundations Officer.

“Sport is great medium for breaking down barriers and developing new friendships. Young participants will benefit from taking part in a wide ranging of sporting activities, developing their leadership skills and acting as role models for younger children.

“The Development and Alumni Relations Office is delighted to have been able to support this initiative in conjunction with Queen’s Sport.”

Simon Doherty is Camp Leader for the T:BUC Junior Leadership Project. “Every morning we do a cross community workshop, to try to develop good relations between the young leaders,” said Simon.

“That helps to create a positive attitudinal change and to develop new friendships between people from different backgrounds and diversities, while also creating an appreciation of, and learning about, different cultures.”

With expert training from Queen’s Sport staff the programme allows Junior Leaders to boost their interpersonal skills, future opportunities, health and friendships. Those who successfully complete the programme also receive a recognised sports leadership qualification.

For more on the Junior Leadership Programme or to support other similar initiatives at the University, please contact Paddy Gilmore, telephone: +44 (0)28 9097 5039 or visit the Queen’s Sport website.  

To submit graduate news items, or for general enquiries about this story, please contact Gerry Power, Communications Officer, Development and Alumni Relations Office, Queen's University Belfast or telephone: +44 (0)28 9097 5321.

Photo caption (L-R, back): Simon Doherty; Mandy Jones, Northern Ireland Executive Office; Alice Christie and Mark Jordan, T:BUC Camp Assistants; Matthew Cummings, T:BUC Junior Leader; Kevin Murray and Paddy Gilmore

(L-R, front): Lauren Cox, Lucia Speier and Tailte Gallagher, T:BUC Junior Leaders

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