Developing an Evaluation Proposal for the IFA Community Relations
department in partnership with a FIFA Football For Hope funded project ‘Limestone United’
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.
The department recently secured funding through the FIFA Football For Hope fund (Jan –
December 2013). The funding from Football For Hope will help provide support for
Limestone United over the coming year. Throughout 2013 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 support. The programme will also include elements such as coach education and
accreditation, a residential, focused community week in the Limestone Road area and a
variety of accredited 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 is a football team based around the interface on the Limestone Road in
North Belfast. It was set up by the PSNI and the IFA with vital assistance and support from
community groups and youth workers in the area. Limestone United came about due to
increasing levels of anti social behaviour and interface violence in the area. The PSNI North
Belfast Community Team came to the IFA 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.
Limestone United currently 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. These activities are lead by local PSNI officers building trust and support with
the youth and in area. The new funding secured from Football For Hope will enable
Limestone United to hold regular training sessions, providing a form of base for new
members to drop into, as well as the capacity building and support elements to broaden the
scope of the participants in a variety of areas using football as the hook to get involved.
2. Rationale
The Community Relations department of the IFA 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, evaluate how we have improved and essentially
measure the change that this programme hopefully will have brought about. Producing a
final summary report at the end of the 2013 year long funding.
The evaluation 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 see what impact, if any 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 violence and criminal activity in the Limestone Road area over the
funding period.
2
Improved physical and mental health in participants.
3
More young people staying on in school after the age of 16.
4
Willingness to enter into employment or volunteering after school.
5
An increased understanding of how sport can help bring about positive changes
in the lives of individuals and communities.
6
Participants take more ownership of the project.
7
Increased sense of inclusion and well being by marginalized and disadvantaged
people.
Each stage of the evaluation process will be carefully guided by the IFA Community
Relations Department. We would expect the evaluation process to highlight the positive
social impact this project has had on the participants involved as well as some secondary
benefits for local areas, communities and peer groups.
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 2013

Produce a final approved evaluation report no later than 31st December 2013
4. Qualifications & Experience
The successful tenderer must be able to demonstrate that 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).
7. Budget
The budget allocated for this evaluation is £2000