BANGOR Chiefs Inline Hockey Club is among 15 organisations sharing more than £50,000 through the first round of Belfast Harbour’s 2026 Community Awards.
The club will deliver its ‘Learn to Play’ programme, introducing young people aged 8–16 to inline hockey in a fun, inclusive and accessible way, encouraging participation in sport and building confidence.
Speaking on receiving the award, Bangor Chiefs chairperson Jess Gunning, Chairperson said: “We are delighted to receive support through the Belfast Harbour Community Awards.
“The funding will help us expand our Learn to Play programme, introducing more young people to inline hockey and giving them the opportunity to make new friends and develop new skills in a fun and welcoming environment.
“After a really successful season, we look forward to reaching more participants and continuing to grow the sport locally.”
The latest round of support builds on Belfast Harbour’s ongoing investment in local communities. Since launching in 2021, the Community Awards programme has supported hundreds of initiatives, investing more than £500,000.
Other projects supported in this round include initiatives helping young people prepare for key exams, creating pathways to employment and engaging volunteers in environmental
programmes such as marine conservation.
Funding also supports a wide range of community-led activities, including introductory sports programmes, intergenerational arts projects, creative storytelling schemes, swimming lessons, community gardening and skills-based training.
Now in its sixth year, the Belfast Harbour Community Awards programme continues to invest in community-led solutions that address local needs and deliver meaningful impact, helping to strengthen communities, promote inclusion and create opportunities.
Jenni Barkley, communications and community engagement manager at Belfast Harbour, said: “This programme is about giving young people a straightforward and welcoming entry point into sport.
“Not everyone has access to structured activities like this, so creating a space where they can try something new, at their own pace, is important.
“Bangor Chiefs are creating an environment where young people can get involved, stay active and build confidence. Supporting initiatives like this through the Community Awards helps ensure opportunities like these are available at a local level.”
