Fernhill Soccer School was awarded £1,400 from a Participatory Budgeting (PB) exercise, which gives local people a direct say in how public money is spent.

More than 300 people voted in the PB process with 11 options to choose from. Four projects were fully funded, and one part funded.

Fernhill Soccer School is run by local volunteers who provide free football sessions on a weekly basis to local young people at no cost. They try give each child a free kit and as many free outings and activities for the community as possible.

Volunteer Davy O’Neil said: “We got more football kits for our kids, and training shoes and waterproof jackets. We also had a Halloween party with some medals and supplies for those attending.

“The training shoes are astroturf so the kids can use them inside as well as on park.

“We also got waterproofs and the kits are going down very well with kids - many thanks the team who helped use secure the PB funding.

“These items allow every child to attend in the same attire saving any embarrassment of not having the proper kit.”

Council Leader and Chair of the Community Planning Partnership, Councillor Joe Fagan, said: “It’s great to see PB money going to help a group very much at the heart of their community.

“Fernhill Soccer School is well established in their local area and are going out of their way to make sure no child is excluded from taking part in their games and training sessions.

“I wish them all the best for the future and once again this is a perfect example of local people having a direct say in activities taking place in their community.”

The council’s community engagement team coordinates the Participatory Budgeting process in conjunction with local stakeholders, with the funding coming from the council and the National Lottery.

More information about Participatory Budgeting is available from the Community Planning Partnership website.