mSCNI Sports

Junior Super League (Funded by Housing Executive NI)

Launched in 2024, the Junior Super League (JSL) was MSCNI’s response to a critical need: young people from social housing, ethnic minority and migrant communities were often excluded from mainstream football pathways, while local young people lacked structured opportunities for cross-community integration.

Funded by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) under its Community Cohesion programme, the Junior Super League was designed as more than a football competition. It combined weekly matches with structured workshops on race relations, hate crime awareness, leadership, and digital resilience (nicknamed the “keyboard warriors” workshops)

Delivery

  • Target Group: 14–21 year olds from Belfast and surrounding areas.
  • Venues: Blanchflower Stadium, Ormeau Park, and community pitches.
  • Format: League matches over five weekends, residential trip to Ganaway, finals celebration with family involvement.
  • Workshops: Delivered alongside football to address real issues young people
    face—racism, online hate, sectarian divides, and leadership skills.

Measured Impact

  • 120+ young people engaged annually, with over 500 participants across seasons.
  • At least 75 participants per year were Housing Executive tenants or residents of temporary accommodation.
  • 10 teams per season, representing communities from Somalia, Syria, Poland, Nigeria, and local Belfast youth groups.
  • Leadership outcomes: Participants trained as youth leaders and referees, with some progressing to volunteer roles within MSCNI.

Testimony

“Before this league, I only played football with my own group. Now I have friends from Somalia, Syria, and Poland. We play together, we learn together. It has changed how I see people.” – JSL Participant, age 17

The Junior Super League has become a pipeline of resilience, belonging, and leadership, demonstrating that sport, when coupled with education and dialogue creates lasting change.

Senior Super League (Part-funded by Migrant Centre NI)

As MSCNI’s youth initiatives grew, adults also needed a platform for sport and inclusion. The Senior Super League was developed as a competitive but community-focused football league for migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and local residents.

Part-funded by Migrant Centre NI, the Senior League quickly became a flagship for cross-community sport in Belfast.

Delivery

  • Venues: Ormeau Park and Blanchflower Stadium.
  • Participants: Adult men and women from migrant and local backgrounds.
  • Format: Seasonal league culminating in finals and award ceremonies.

Highlights

  • Inclusive ethos, teams were required to include players from diverse backgrounds.
  • Integration pathways into the Irish FA grassroots structures and Inspired Community FC.

Measured Impact

  • 200+ direct adult participants annually.
  • 70% of participants reported improved sense of belonging.
  • Success stories: Migrant players trained as coaches; others moved into local clubs or formed friendships that extended beyond football.

Testimony

“I came to Belfast as an asylum seeker. The league gave me my first friends here. It made me feel like I was part of the city.” – Senior League Participant The Senior Super League demonstrates MSCNI’s belief that sport is a vehicle for both physical wellbeing and civic integration.

MSCNI Weekly Football Sessions Across Belfast

Connecting Communities Through Football

At Multi-Ethnic Sports & Cultures NI (MSCNI), football isn’t just a game, it’s a movement for inclusion, connection, and wellbeing. Every week, MSCNI brings together players of all ages, genders, and backgrounds from across East, West, North, and South Belfast to train, play, and belong.

Our weekly football sessions provide safe, structured, and welcoming environments for everyone from enthusiastic beginners to experienced players. Whether you’re 5 or 55, MSCNI has a pitch waiting for you!

Where We Play

We’re proud to deliver community football sessions across Belfast in partnership with local councils, clubs, and volunteers.

South & East Belfast — Ormeau Park 3G Pitch

Our flagship training ground for mixed-age community sessions and intercultural matches.

  • Perfect for family participation and youth development.
  • Focus on inclusion, fun, and friendship across communities.

North Belfast — Waterworks 3G Pitch

A welcoming space for adult and veteran footballers.

  • Sessions for ages 5-21, 22–25 and over-50s.
  • Promotes fitness, wellbeing, and social connection through sport.
  • Supported by Migrant Centre NI.

Who Can Join

Our weekly sessions are open to everyone, with training groups tailored to different ages and needs.

  • Ages 5–12 – Mini Rising Stars: fun-based games, coordination, and teamwork.
  • Ages 13–15 – Youth Development League: skill-building and discipline through sport.
  • Ages 16–18 – Future Leaders: preparation for club trials, volunteering, and coaching.
  • Ages 18–21 – Pathway to Clubs: performance training, mental wellbeing, and mentoring.
  • Ages 22–25 – Community Active Adults: weekly matches and personal fitness.

North Belfast — Waterworks 3G Pitch

Dynamic sessions for youth and young adults led by experienced community coaches.

  • Ages 5–21: skill development, teamwork, and mentoring.

Over 50s – Walking Football & Wellness

Gentle exercise, laughter, and community spirit.All sessions are inclusive of males, females, and non-binary participants, with trained staff ensuring a safe, respectful environment.

What Makes MSCNI Football Unique

  • Intercultural & Inclusive: Teams blend local and migrant communities.
  • Affordable & Accessible: Free or low-cost sessions supported by our funders.
  • Holistic Development: Focus on leadership, wellbeing, and anti-racism education.
  • Pathways to Progress: Talented players are supported into local clubs and leagues.
  • Community-Led Coaching: Delivered by trained coaches from diverse backgrounds.

“Our goal is simple — to make football a shared language of hope, belonging, and respect.”— Jahswill Emmanuel BEM, Founder & CEO, MSCNI

Join Us!

Whether you’re new to football or returning after years away, MSCNI welcomes you.Come kick a ball, make new friends, and become part of a growing movement that uses sport to build peace, confidence, and community.

  • Email: info@mscni.org
  • Call: +44 (0)7584 841007