CHELSEA'S first black player has urged young people in Belfast to "overcome challenges that you will face in life" as he attended a cross-community football event in the city.
Paul Canoville joined local sports stars at Ashfield Boys school in east Belfast to promote inclusivity in sport and discuss the importance of prioritising mental health and wellbeing.
Teenagers from both sides of the community, Co Donegal and refugee teams from Sudan, Syria and Somalia came together to hear from the former footballer and train for a 'sport leaders award'.
It is part of an initiative by Choice Housing and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, which aims to build positive relationships, leadership and opportunities for young people while tackling issues such as racism and inequality at a community level.
Canoville signed for Chelsea FC in 1981 and became the club's first black player, but was the victim of racial abuse.
Following his retirement he suffered with mental ill-health and addiction issues, but now acts as a high-profile campaigner against racism and an advocate for mental health issues.
"This has been a great experience for me coming back to Belfast and getting involved with young people who are learning to take a lead in their communities," he said.
"I know from my own experience that football and sport is a great way to bring people together, but perhaps more importantly it’s a pathway to learn skills and overcome challenges that you will face in life.
"These young people have a great opportunity now to progress in sports and be an inspiration to others, and I am pleased to be able to add my voice to the work of the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Choice Housing to help make a difference here in Belfast, and I hope to come back again as the programme progresses."
Karla McDermott from the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, set up by the former Manchester United player to provide mentoring and employment pathways to help young people in economically deprived communities, said it had been "a fantastic experience" for the participants.
"As they start their journey in sports and leadership, we have had some wonderful guests here to share their own journeys and young people from across Belfast and NI to play and get inspired," she said.
"It’s a project that shows what we can achieve when communities come together, and we give young people a voice."
Michael McDonnell from Choice Housing added: "The partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation focuses on bettering the lives of young people in our communities, seeing so many of them here today engaging and sharing their experiences shows how vital these programmes are.
"They will come away not only having developed new friendships with young people from other communities and backgrounds but will have learned a great deal from the experience of those speaking today.
"Hearing from sports professionals on the challenges they have faced and the importance of having a support system will hopefully stay with them throughout their lives, whatever they choose to do next."
