To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what support her Department has provided to grass roots soccer programmes in East Londonderry since 2011.

Sport NI, an arms length body of my Department, has supported grassroots football in the constituency area since 2011 through the presence of a sports development officer who has offered a range of opportunities to clubs in the area. These include the hosting of a North West Coaching Forum for coaches and club volunteers in 2011 and 2013; ongoing guidance and support around the ‘Clubmark’ accreditation scheme; and offering bespoke coach development workshops in the region during 2011 and 2012. The officer has also attended local club presentation nights on behalf of Sport NI.

In the 2013/14 financial year, the Foyle Cup received funding of £30,000 as part of the 2013 City of Culture. In addition, throughout the City of Culture year, the Irish Football Association delivered a wide range of football training initiatives including soccer schools, street leagues and coaching courses as well as the UEFA Grassroots Day Festival of Football 2013.