As part of LFC Foundation’s mission to support 500,000 people each season by 2030, we are delighted to announce a new collaboration with GLL, to deliver a range of high-quality player development programmes and holiday football camps at Avoniel in Belfast.

GLL is the charitable social enterprise that operates Belfast's 16 leisure centres under its Better brand in partnership with Belfast City Council. The programme brings the LFC Foundation’s renowned coaching to Belfast, offering children aged 5 to 13 the chance to develop their skills through an exclusive Player Development Programme.

A team of five LFC Foundation staff will travel to Belfast on Monday 18th August to deliver technical Player Development sessions at Avoniel. These open sessions are now available to book for just £1 and will give local players and parents a first look at what to expect from the full programme, which officially launches in September.

Matt Parish, CEO of LFC Foundation, said the collaboration aligns strongly with the Foundation’s strategic aims:

“Our collaboration with GLL in Belfast reflects our ongoing commitment to increasing the numbers of people we support in our communities we have a positive impact on through meaningful football programmes. We’re proud to bring our curriculum and coaching standards to Avoniel, offering young players in East Belfast a genuine pathway to grow both on and off the pitch.

“This is part of the growth of our Player Development Programme and the introduction of a centre in Belfast will see us increase our offer from three Player Development Centres to five. We aim to engage and develop around 10,000 young players across the UK and internationally during this period and this new centre will play an important role in that journey.”

Gareth Kirk, Regional Director at GLL, highlighted the local impact of the collaboration:

“This exciting collaboration with the LFC Foundation brings one of the world’s most respected football institutions to Avoniel, offering young people across East Belfast a unique opportunity to grow both on and off the pitch. GLL is proud to help deliver high-quality programmes that promote not only athletic development, but confidence, teamwork and inclusion.”

The programme will also include Football Camps during school holidays, with the first scheduled for October 2025, giving even more young players the opportunity to take part in high-quality football coaching during their time off school.

This new initiative also reflects GLL’s core values, supporting healthier, more connected communities through access to sport and physical activity. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, GLL is committed to improving the social, mental and physical wellbeing of the people in the communities it serves. By working alongside the LFC Foundation, GLL aims to inspire the next generation not just as athletes, but as confident, well-rounded individuals.

Parents and guardians can now register for the Open Sessions on Monday 18 August by clicking here.