Multi-Ethnic Sports & Cultures Northern Ireland (MSCNI) is the first established ethnic minority sports and culture organisation in Northern Ireland, founded in 2016 by Jahswill Emmanuel BEM (British Empire Medal). MSCNI was born out of a simple but powerful vision: to create a society where people of all backgrounds, nationalities, and faiths can live, learn, and thrive together.
From its base in Belfast, MSCNI has grown into Northern Ireland’s leading platform for ethnic minority participation in sport and culture — connecting communities, celebrating diversity, and amplifying the voices of people who too often go unheard.
Registered as a charity (NIC109633) and company limited by guarantee (NI693993), MSCNI serves as the central coordinating body for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities in sport, culture, and inclusion.
MSCNI is a multicultural, community-based organisation dedicated to fostering integration, tackling racism, promoting cultural celebration, and empowering ethnic minority, refugee, and asylum-seeking communities across Northern Ireland.
We work with over 50 nationalities, including African, Middle Eastern, Asian, Roma, Eastern European, and local communities — creating inclusive spaces where individuals can thrive, lead, and contribute positively to society.
Multi-Ethnic Sports & Cultures Northern Ireland (MSCNI) is the first established ethnic minority sports and culture organisation in Northern Ireland, founded in 2016 by Jahswill Emmanuel BEM (British Empire Medal). MSCNI was born out of a simple but powerful vision: to create a society where people of all backgrounds, nationalities, and faiths can live, learn, and thrive together.
To empower diverse communities through sports, culture, and education, using inclusive activities as a bridge for understanding, peace building, and equality.
MSCNI’s mission is rooted in three pillars:
Join a team of volunteers with a common goal, and by volunteering with MSCNI, you will:
MSCNI leverages football as a universal language of connection and change.
One of Northern Ireland’s largest multicultural football tournaments. Since 2022, the league has hosted 20+ international teams including Ghana, Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Syria, Iran, Poland, Portugal, Algeria, Guinea-Bissau, International Community, Refugee Community, Asylum Seekers, Libya, East Timor, China, Zimbabwe and Local Teams. The Junior League focuses on ages 8–16, 17-21 and 21+ combining sport with anti-racism and leadership education.
Delivered across Belfast, Lisburn, Portadown, Craigavon, and Derry/Londonderry at venues such as Waterworks Park, Coláiste Feirste, Lorag , Ozone Complex and Girdwood Hub, promoting mental wellbeing and community cohesion.
In partnership with the Irish Football Association (IFA) and McDonald’s, MSCNI develops inclusive football programmes for migrant youth, offering coach training, equipment, and weekly grassroots sessions.
MSCNI has become the leading Windrush advocacy voice in Northern Ireland, hosting awareness sessions with Ulster University, roundtables awareness session with National Museums NI, and the Windrush Legacy Cup with the Home Office.
Annual collaboration with Ulster University featuring cultural showcases, lectures, and performances celebrating Black and Commonwealth heritage.
Multicultural sports days, dance showcases, youth-led discussions, and cross-community workshops, engaging over 500 attendees across Belfast in 2024. and weekly grassroots sessions.
Funded through the Global Majority Fund (Migrant Centre NI), this initiative supports asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants through culturally sensitive programmes, including trauma-informed services and leadership development.
Also funded by the Global Majority Fund, this programme supports migrants with construction industry taster sessions, football-led integration, interpreter certifications and peer mentoring support.
A €2.9 million PEACEPLUS initiative led by the North West Migrants Forum, with MSCNI as a core partner. The project fosters inclusion through leadership development, civic training, and intercultural dialogue across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
MSCNI coordinated the distribution of over 3,000 free SIM cards to migrants and refugees across Northern Ireland, improving digital connectivity, communication access, and reducing isolation for vulnerable groups.
Develops young people’s leadership, communication, and project management skills through sport and volunteering. Participants gain confidence, sport education, responsibility, and tools to become active change-makers in their communities.
Focused on physical and emotional well-being, this initiative engages women and girls from diverse backgrounds in sports, health education, and leadership workshops to build confidence and social inclusion.
Develops young people’s leadership, communication, and project management skills through sport and volunteering. Participants gain confidence, sport education, responsibility, and tools to become active change-makers in their communities.
Develops young people’s leadership, communication, and project management skills through sport and volunteering. Participants gain confidence, sport education, responsibility, and tools to become active change-makers in their communities.
Promotes intercultural understanding by connecting BAME and local communities through education, shared cultural exhibitions, storytelling, and heritage workshops celebrating the rich diversity of Northern Ireland’s society.
MSCNI operates across Northern Ireland and border counties of Ireland, delivering programmes in Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Lisburn, Portadown, Craigavon, Mid Ulster, Downpatrick, and cross-border projects in Dublin, Dundalk, Galway and Letterkenny.
“MSCNI stands as a beacon of hope and resilience in a changing Northern Ireland. Through sport, culture, and education, we are building sanctuary, belonging, and legacy for all.”
– Jahswill Emmanuel BEM, Founder & CEO
MSCNI invites you to be part of a growing movement for equality and inclusion through sport and culture.
Get Involved:
Contact Us:
Email: info@mscni.org
Phone: 07788319061
Website: www.mscni.co.uk
Address: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Multi-Ethnic Sports & Cultures NI (MSCNI) — Empowering communities through sport, culture, and shared humanity.
