Dr Deirdre Brennan

Pupils from schools across Northern Ireland will take part in a unique sports conference hosted by the University of Ulster today.

The University’s Sports Outreach Programme has organised Team Talk – a one-day conference designed to encourage more young people to get involved in sport.

Students from six schools across Northern Ireland will meet top sports stars including Enda McGinley from Tyrone’s All Ireland winning team, former Ulster rugby skipper Andy Ward and first female Irish Olympian Meave Kyle.

As well as participating in a variety of workshops facilitated by Cooperation Ireland, the pupils will take part in a panel discussion led by sports presenter Jim Neely.

The panel of expert guests, including well-known sports personalities and leading academics will be grilled on a range of issues from drug use to sectarianism in sport.

Event organiser, Dr Deirdre Brennan from UU said: “University Sports Outreach is an Innovative Programme designed to widen access to sport at UU for schools and communities.

“The participants of this conference are sixth form students studying sport at A-level or equivalent. With the support of Bank of Ireland, this event provides a unique opportunity for pupils to discuss important social, political, personal and development issues related to sport with a panel of high profile sports performers, internationally acclaimed academics and sports journalists.”

Keith Crossan, Bank of Ireland said:  "We have been involved with many sporting sponsorships over the years including rugby, GAA, cricket, the Special Olympics and many more. The main reason for this is that sport encompasses everything Bank of Ireland stands for - competitiveness, discipline, a spirit of fun and above all, teamwork. We are delighted to be sponsoring this innovative conference today and to continue our support of the University of Ulster."

The Team Talk Sports Conference will take place on Friday 16 December at the University’s Jordanstown campus.

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter