The Inclusion Academy was founded June 2016 in order to add a more professional approach to the groundwork achieved since 2002 when the Glentoran Community Initiative catered for the underage team network at Glentoran. The academy was initially set up as an initiative for the community that has supported the club for over 140 years.

The inclusion Academy is open to anyone with a cognitive or physical disability from ages 5, up to adult. We offer weekly training sessions with qualified coaching staff, and we aim to develop a social partnership with parents, carers, and professionals to alleviate social exclusion through social activities. 

We offer competitive monthly matches, friendly matches, and we travel to tournaments in the UK and Ireland. At Glentoran we believe that the welfare of the child is an important factor as we help develop the person and expand his or her recreational football abilities. This is evident in our aims, and in our in-depth child protection policy that is constantly monitored and updated by our club’s child welfare officer.  
 

Aims of the Inclusion Academy

Glentoran Inclusion takes a holistic approach in the social development of its players; helping them to develop their skills at levels appropriate to them, helping them with social skills and friendships, and giving them opportunities to play at competitive level in suitable leagues, against similarly able individuals. 

• Glentoran Inclusion Academy provide training sessions adapted to the needs of its players to help them achieve their full potential.

• The academy shall promote equality, regarding gender, religion, and race, as well as promoting fair play and sportsmanship.

• The academy shall compete in national & international tournaments, and coaching experiences as deemed suitable by the Academy Committee to increase the player's awareness of other cultures and religions, helping to broaden the player's outlook and experience.

Child Protection Policy

Child Protection Policy Statement

Glentoran Football Club is committed to providing an environment which values and protects all children and young people, regardless of perceived ability, cultural identity, or religious beliefs. Staff and volunteers within the Academy accept and recognise their responsibility to develop awareness of the issues that may cause children harm. They will endeavour to safeguard by: 

• Being alert to the signs and symptoms of child abuse

• Adopting child protection guidelines through a code of behaviour for staff and volunteers

• Sharing information about concerns with relevant agencies and involving parents and children appropriately

• Providing effective training and support for staff and volunteers

• Glentoran Football Club is committed to reviewing their Child Protection Policy at a minimum of three yearly intervals to ensure continued best practice. Date of last review, July 2022

The Child Welfare department at Glentoran Football Club is contactable at:  safeguarding@glentoran.com 
 

Communication & Social Networking Policy 

Contact us at:
Website: www.glentoran.com
Email: inclusionacademy@glentoran.com
Facebook: Glentoran Inclusion FC
Twitter: GlentoranIFC
Instagram: GlentoranInclusion