Midnight Street Soccer is not all simply about getting young people to play football late at night. And this was demonstrated in December, when 30 participants and leaders participated in an IFA Grassroots Soccer Coachng Award.

Funded by PBNI, the initiative supported the personal and professional development of local people involved in the project. This also contributes to the development of community sport in Belfast by providing new coaches at community and club level.

19 year old Conor McCann took part, and recognises the value of undertaking accreditted qualifications.

"As a volunteer in the Midnight Street Soccer project, it was a great opportunity to learn new skills and will undoubtedly assist me in my future ambition to become a football coach or manager. I hope to go on and to get additional qualifications now".

Conor, among many others, will have the chance to obtain these qualifications throughout 2009. Midnight Street Soccer will be organising a range of diverse soccer and generic coaching courses throughout the year. To take part or to find out more get in touch with Midnight Street Soccer.