Glentoran footballers lend support to Covid-19 care project

Glentoran footballers have been lending their support to a Covid-19 care project in East Belfast.

First-team players from the Oval club volunteered at Connswater Community Centre earlier this week.

The centre has been playing a crucial role in supporting those in need during the coronavrus crisis.

Glentoran 's players -who are currently on furlough - have been involved in the club’s ‘Supporting Our Communities’ programme throughout the current season.

The initiative sees the Glens work closely with partners, such as schools, church and youth groups, charities and community groups within East Belfast to help improve the wellbeing of the area.

This week, players including Jonny Frazer, Steven Gordon, Elvio Van Overbeek, Mal Smith and the club’s Kit and Equipment Manager Sean Macmanus lent their support to Connswater Community Centre's initiative.

Provisions down at the centre. (Thomas Sewell)

At the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic, Amanda Irvine (Centre Manager) and Connor Ferguson (Volunteer) distributed 20 meals to local pensioners who would regularly use the centre but have been isolated at home.

Since then a team of volunteers was assembled, and with the support of East Belfast ACT Initiative, the community centre has been helping deliver a meals programme in their area.

Stevie Gordon helps out (Thomas Sewell)

Mal Smith and Elvio van Overbeek (Thomas Sewell)

"The centre is now responsible for preparing and delivering nearly 1700 meals each week," Amanda said.

“This is a very busy operation and the help from the Glentoran players and staff was greatly appreciated.

"The guys were involved in putting together 200 food parcels which will be distributed to vulnerable and elderly people within our community.

"In these boxes are everyday groceries supplied by East Belfast Coronavirus Community Support on behalf of the Belfast City Council.

Jonny Frazer packs a box (Thomas Sewell)

"Without the help of everyone within the community the meals programme would not have been possible, we are overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the ongoing support that we have received from local businesses, volunteers, and local sports clubs.

"We were also delighted to welcome representatives of Glentoran as our local club at the very heart of the East Belfast community.”