LARNE FOOTBALL CLUB will celebrate International Women’s Day 2019 by partnering up with Women’s Aid ABCLN to give domestic violence the red card.
The Agnew Lounge at Inver Park will host a special International Women’s Day event, where the club will be named as the first football club in Northern Ireland to become a ‘Safe Place’.
On the pitch, we will celebrate our ever-growing ladies football set up by hosting an open training session at 5pm attended by both youth and senior players.
As a ‘Safe Place’ organisation, players and officials at Inver Park will sign the White Ribbon Charter and pledge to never commit, condone or stay silent about violence against women. With one in four women experiencing domestic violence in their lives, this issue impacts all of us.
Commercial Director Gavin Clements said “We must stand up and be counted, and challenge the attitudes and behaviours that lead to male violence against women. We are committed to providing a safe place for anyone affected by domestic violence to access information on where to get help safely and confidentially.”
“Larne Football Club will be working with Women’s Aid ABCLN over the next 12 months to raise awareness and equip our members to recognise and respond to women living with or affected by domestic violence. This will include ‘Safe Place’ training for players and officials, and a ‘Heading for Healthy Relationships’ programmes with other young people.”
On the partnership, Women’s Aid CEO Rosemary Magill stated “We believe that in order to create a society that has zero-tolerance towards domestic violence or abuse, prevention and early intervention is crucial.”
“The onus to address domestic violence is on all of us, and by becoming a ‘Safe Place’ everyone at Larne Football Club can play their part.”
