On June 28 Rosario YFC will mark an innovative partnership with Scottish Premiership side St. Mirren with a gala match at the newly renovated Ulidia Playing Fields.
Rosario, one of the biggest and most renowned football clubs in Northern Ireland, has been a fixture in the Ballynafeigh area of south Belfast for over a century, with over 900 players being fielded across 50 teams.
The new arrangements with St Mirren FC and a recent move back into Ulidia Playing Fields point towards an exciting new phase for the club and its development.
“Rosario Football Club has been at the heart of the community on the Ormeau Road for generations,” said Ciara Boyes, the Chairperson of Rosario YFC.
“The club welcomes members from many different backgrounds and nationalities, reflecting this wonderful multicultural area of Belfast.
“The partnership with St Mirren comes shortly after we moved back into the recently-renovated Ulidia Playing Fields, as we take this hugely successful club to the next level, and the friendly between the two clubs will celebrate this.”
Earlier this season Rosario YFC entered into discussions with St Mirren, which were facilitated by Jed McCabe from sports tour providers inspiresport.
Inspiresport facilitate trips which allow budding stars of all abilities to develop skills and gain confidence. They offer tailored sports development tours to some of Europe’s top professional clubs and federations, giving teenagers the opportunity to access world class training facilities, stadium tours and fixtures against local opposition.
Jed McCabe from inspiresport said: “I am delighted to have introduced Rosario YFC to St. Mirren FC as I see so many similarities between the two. They are both very family orientated and give young players their chance in the game.
“We offer development tours to some of the world’s top clubs and I can honestly say St. Mirren FC are up there with the very best.”
The partnership between will benefit both clubs. Rosario’s coaching programme is boosted by top level coaching sessions at St Mirren FC, who run a Gold Award Academy at St Mirren FC.
Rosario YFC will also showcase any potential players to St Mirren FC, ensuring that they get the best chance to start a career in football.
Inspiresport are also working with Rosario YFC to organise further development tours to the likes of Valencia CF, FC Porto, and other top level clubs to benefit young members Rosario YFC.
Speaking ahead of the gala-match, St Mirren FC CEO Tony Fitzpatrick said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our club to have a new partnership with Rosario YFC, as like ourselves, they work in conjunction with the local community.
“We have welcomed some of their teams over to our Gold Award Academy for a train and play programme recently and are absolutely delighted to be invited to play in this match. Who knows maybe one day a youth player from Rosario YFC will play for our first team.”
Rosario YFC thanked St Mirren FC, inspiresport and Belfast City Council for all the support they have and continue to provide to the club.
The gala-match and community celebrations will take place on the June 28 at 7pm, with parking available at the nearby St Joseph’s College and Holy Rosary Church.
