THE sterling work and vision of Rosario YFC was recognised recently when Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) minister Carál Ni Chuilín visited the south Belfast side and presented awards at Ulidia playing fields.
The minister praised the club for their ambition and was also shown the proposed development plans for the Ulidia facilities.
The south Belfast team outlined their ongoing community work and future outreach plan in nearby Ballynafeigh to the minister, who also presented awards to the Rosario YFC girls’ team and met club volunteers during her visit.
“The minister congratulated Rosario on our new seven-year partnership agreement with Belfast City Council to manage Ulidia,” said club chairman Pat McGonigle.
“She also commended Rosario YFC on becoming the largest amateur football club in NI with over 30 teams, 100 volunteers and 700 players from ages five and up.”
One of the proposed developments to the site is the installation of a third generation artificial turf (3G) pitch, a new multi-layered sports surface.
The club are also seeking upgrades to their changing and site facilities to better accommodate female and disabled players.
Belfast’s largest mini-soccer competition is hosted by Rosario YFC annually in May, with over 80 competing teams and 900 players coming from greater Belfast, Ireland and Scotland.
The club has been in place for over 40 years, and is run by around 100 local volunteers as part of Rosario Youth Club.
