Developing an Evaluation and Strategy Proposal for the FIFA Football for Hope
2014 funded project – ‘Limestone United’ in partnership with the Irish FA
Community Relations Department
Terms of Reference
1. Background
The Community Relations department of the Irish Football Association was established in
2004 to tackle the issue of sectarianism and to create a fun, safe and inclusive culture
throughout all levels of the game in Northern Ireland.
Limestone United is a football team based around the interface on the Limestone Road in
North Belfast. It was set up by the PSNI and the Irish FA with vital assistance and support
from community groups and youth workers in the area. Limestone United was developed in
response to increasing levels of anti social behaviour and interface violence in the area. The
PSNI North Belfast Community Team came to the Irish FA to explore the option of using
football as a neutral tool with which to try and remove barriers and tension between rival
communities around the Limestone road.
The department recently secured funding through FIFA Football For Hope (Jan –December
2014). The funding from Football For Hope will help provide support for Limestone United
over the coming year. Throughout 2014, Limestone United will take part in a varied
programme of development covering aspects such as practical football skills, employment
information and support, physical and mental health, community engagement and
diversionary activities. The programme will also include elements such as coach education
and accredited courses, a residential, summer league/educational programme and a variety
of topical workshops.
Football For Hope will help to support and develop the individuals who have already taken
the large step of getting involved with Limestone United, and shaping its purpose and
identity in the community and further afield.
Limestone United was in receipt of FIFA Football For Hope funding during 2013 and hope to
further progress this work during 2014, using the knowledge and experiences of the last year
to adapt and meet the needs of those involved as best possible, adding to, and enhancing
the activities and programmes of 2013. Limestone United operates through a series of
matches and educational trips to areas/projects of interest and reflection with regards to the
issues for youths in the North Belfast area, with the addition of being able to host regular
training sessions in a safe and positive environment. These activities are lead by local PSNI
officers and volunteer youth workers from the area with support from the Irish FA, building
trust and support with the youth and local community. The new funding secured from FIFA
Football For Hope for 2014 will enable Limestone United to continue to make new supportive
structures within the local community, hold regular training sessions and matches, with the
new element this year of a focused summer programme which is designed to develop the
capacity of the participants in a variety of areas using football as the hook. An important
element to this year’s programme will be the development of a strategy and action plan to
help map out future objectives and priorities for the stability and growth of the project.
2. Rationale
The Community Relations department of the Irish FA wishes to invite expressions of interest
from suitably qualified individuals/organisations to carry out an evaluation of the project to
measure the baseline from the beginning, to evaluate how we have improved and to
measure the change that this programme will have initiated. This work will be presented in a
final summary report, and further suggestions, recommendations and plans laid out in a
proposed strategy at the end of 2014. The successful individual/organisation will also be
required to provide a mid year report, to discuss the findings and/or recommendations so far.
The evaluation and strategy development process will include establishing a baseline with
the participants involved in the project, working with the project steering panel, developing
effective materials to monitor and evaluate the work carried out within the programme and
engaging with local communities to assess the impact the programme has had, or may be
deemed to have in the future.
There are seven projected key outcomes that the programme will be evaluated against:
1
Reduced anti social behaviour and criminal activity in the Limestone Road area
over the funding period;
2
Improved physical and mental health in participants;
3
Increased self confidence and self worth in participants;
4
Development of skills and personal capacity along with increased knowledge of
possible employment or FHE (further and higher education) pathways;
5
Address and barriers and misconceptions associated with the different
communities and local peer issues;
6
Focus on future recruitment of participants from minority and under represented
groups;
7
Increased sense of inclusion and well being by marginalized and disadvantaged
people.
Each stage of this process will be carefully guided by the Irish FA Community Relations
Department. We would expect this process to highlight the positive social impact this project
has had on the participants involved as well as some secondary benefits for the local areas,
communities and peer groups This should then inform areas of development for a basic
strategy and action plan to be developed for progression in future years of the Limestone
United project.
3. Criteria & Timing
The successful tenderer will be expected to:

Develop a proposal setting out their understanding of the contract;

Establish baseline data;

Provide updates at the partner meetings;

Provide interim report in June 2014

Develop short case studies to illustrate programme impact and purpose

Produce a document consisting of overall project evaluation, including a basic strategy
and action plan for future development of the Limestone United programme

Produce a final approved document no later than 31st December 2014
4. Qualifications & Experience
The successful tenderer must be able to demonstrate that they, and/or their personnel have:

Experience of evaluating and measuring social impact, providing examples of relevant
experience across similar projects;

Experience of working with volunteer and community based groups, particularly with
marginalised groups and dealing with sensitive issues in a professional manner;

A knowledge of the broad aims of IFA Football for All initiative and issues prevalent in
Northern Ireland’s society, which impact on the work of Football for All;

Experience of conducting research from both primary and secondary sources
5. Tender Submission
The tender submission should contain the following information:

A detailed statement demonstrating the tenderer’s knowledge of the IFA Football For All
initiative, Limestone United and understanding of the contract;

Specific expertise and experience of the tenderer in relation to the contract;

Names and brief CV for personnel involved in the evaluation process;

A time related plan, establishing an understanding of the contract and level of
engagement with the relevant stakeholders and indicating key milestones to deliver the
contract within the timeframe stated;

A breakdown of all fees and costs involved in undertaking the contract (exclusive of
VAT).
6. Payment
Approved suppliers will be paid on completion of the project (specific terms to be agreed with
successful provider).