Hughes supports sportsmanship

By Kenny Archer

Northern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes recently returned to his roots to promote the concept of fair play in football.

Model professional
The Newcastle United FC defender plies his trade in one of the most competitive leagues in the world but is renowned as a model professional, rarely attracting the attention of referees, an attitude he is keen to see adopted among young players. Hughes has graduated to being an English Premiership regular but he has not forgotten the good grounding in the game that he learned from his days playing for Boys' Brigade teams.

Fair play initiative
So it was fitting that Hughes came to Irish Football Association (IFA) headquarters in Belfast to help launch the Fair Play Card Appeal, an initiative created by the Boys' Brigade. A youth organisation popular in Northern Ireland, the Boys' Brigade runs its own leagues for young players in Northern Ireland and the link is continued through to the BB Old Boys' League as well.

Major campaign
And its scheme has broad appeal, with the IFA, Community Relations Council and Sports Council all involved in the Fair Play Card Appeal, which is aimed at promoting fair play among young people and youth leaders.

Respecting differences
Hughes said: "Respecting people and their differences is at the heart of this BB Fair Play Drive and the IFA's Football For All policy. I believe strongly that sport can play a key role in promoting respect for people regardless of ability, sex, race or religion. As someone who has learnt a great deal from sport and the BB it is a real pleasure to support this initiative."

'Promoting respect'
Michael Boyd, the IFA community relations officer, said: "The Fair Play Card Appeal is a Boys' Brigade initiative that all sports are welcome to adopt and support. The appeal is all about getting back to the basics of fair play and promoting respect through sport."

Poster campaign
Around 7,000 cards promoting the fair play message were distributed to boys, BB leaders, and helpers, along with more than 100 posters to companies throughout the greater Belfast area and across Northern Ireland.

Positive publicity
Boyd emphasised the importance of fair play, saying: "At a time when the image of sport is being tarnished by drug abuse, violence, racism, sectarianism and rape allegations, this appeal aims to combat the negative publicity facing sport and highlight all that is good about sport and fair play."

Integrated policy
IFA General Secretary David Bowen was pleased to point out that the latest scheme operated on the same principles as the IFA's own fair play and Football for All campaigns, which the association has worked so hard on over recent years.