Opening of the Valley Park Football Pitches – 25 August 2009

Ladies and gentlemen,

May I first take this opportunity to thank Colin Valley Football Club for inviting me to this official opening of their refurbished pitches and for the chance to see for myself the magnificent work that has been done.  These pitches will provide a much needed facility for all people of Colin, particularly children and young people in this area and all those involved in this transformation are to be congratulated.   

As the Minister responsible for social development, I am, of course, delighted that my Department was able to support this project through the neighbourhood renewal fund.

I am aware that many years of planning and hard work have gone into bringing this project to fruition and I want to commend the Chairperson Kevin Murphy and members of Colin Valley Football Club for their vision and determination which has helped enable the creation of this marvellous facility.

The pitches offer adults and young people a safe, purpose-built environment that will contribute to their health and well being as well as providing a much needed sporting recreation facility in the Colin Area.

I am aware that Colin Valley Football Club has a very strong youth structure and I know that getting young people away from the Playstation and television screen is no small achievement.  That is why the work of this club is so essential to improving and developing the sporting and social talents of the young people in your teams.   Naturally, the earlier young people get involved, the better. Good habits formed through participation in sport, such as teamwork, fair play and dedication, stay with us through life and help frame our attitudes to work, family and society generally.   Achievement and success tends to breed further success.

On that note; I hear congratulations are in order on the recent success of Colin Valley Football Club on moving from the Belfast and District League to the Northern Amateur Football League.  I am sure that this facility can only help cement your new position.

Once again thank you for the invitation to open the refurbished pitches and I hope that you have many hours of enjoyment on this excellent facility.

Thank you all.