A Belfast councillor is urging Irish League clubs to look at different ways they can support their own communities amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Green Party representative Brian Smyth recently met with Glentoran Social Partnership to discuss ways the Oval club can become more sustainable, and how it can support people living in East Belfast.
The Partnership looks at 'utilising the power of football to motivate, educate and inspire' while supporting its local communities.
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Cllr Smyth believes football clubs can serve as a support network when it comes to helping people as they struggle with household finances, food and fuel costs.
"I met with the Glentoran Social Partnership this week, as they contacted me around becoming more sustainable," said Irish League supporter Smyth.
"It's positive to see clubs in the Irish League starting to think in these terms and I know my own club Cliftonville are doing the same. We also spoke about the support the Glens could offer over the next six to eight months as we face the wider and escalating cost of living crisis.
"That's going to impact not only in East Belfast, but everywhere else. Again, clubs like the Glens and the Reds do brilliant work around support food banks. Yet for me, I also think they have a reach into working class communities that other sectors don't.
"So I believe that there is a real need for a large information campaign over the winter to inform people right across the city of what support there is out there for people, such as financial assistance, community networks, fuel buying networks etc.
"Irish League clubs can play their part in reaching into our communities. This is something we as Greens at Belfast City Council will be raising in the next couple of weeks."
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