Cross-border Active Play Initiative Brings Families Together in Castlefin

Sixty families from communities across the border region came together at the CPI Centre, Castlefin, Co. Donegal, for the Active Play Family Fun Day, a cross-community initiative supported by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) under its Communities in Partnership Programme (CiPP).

The Active Play programme has been delivered over a two-year period through a cross-border partnership between Donegal Sports Partnership and Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership, Derry, with support from the International Play Association Northern Ireland.

The event brought together families from the Donegal and Derry regions for a day of shared, inclusive play designed to promote wellbeing, participation and positive cross-community engagement.

Children and their families participated in a wide range of activities throughout the course of the day, including garden games, sensory and messy play, orienteering, traditional games, and loose parts play. All activities were facilitated by trained Active Play Leaders, recruited from each community, who delivered a 12-week programme of activities to children aged 8–12 years.

The Active Play programme is designed to move away from structured sport and instead encourage recreational, child-led physical activity that supports creativity, confidence and social connection. The initiative also plays a wider role in strengthening relationships between communities north and south of the border through shared participation in positive, informal settings.

The Family Fun Day marks the final stages of delivery of the IFI-supported Active Play programme across communities, including Carndonagh, Waterside, Pettigo and Irvinestown. The programme also supports the continued development of Active Play Leaders, helping to build local capacity and sustain inclusive play opportunities within communities.

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Funded under the IFI’s Communities in Partnership Programme, the Active Play initiative continues to support projects that promote peacebuilding, trust and stronger cross-community relationships through practical, community-led engagement.

Speaking at the event, Shona McCarthy, Chair of the International Fund for Ireland, said: “The Active Play Family Fun Day is a wonderful example of how simple, shared activities and games can bring people together in a natural and meaningful way. 

“By encouraging children and families from across communities to play, learn and engage side by side, this programme helps to build trust, understanding and lasting relationships. The IFI is proud to support initiatives like this through our Communities in Partnership Programme, which continues to demonstrate that peacebuilding starts at a local level, in everyday moments of connection.”

Declan Boyle, CEO of Donegal Sports Partnership, added: “At Donegal Sports Partnership, we see every day how important it is for children and young people to have opportunities to be active, have fun and develop through play. 

“We have a long and positive track record working with the International Fund for Ireland and are passionate about using sport and physical activity to bring communities together in a positive and inclusive way. 

“This programme has created valuable opportunities for children to take part in a wide range of activities in a fun and supportive environment. It has been fantastic to see such strong participation, with children trying new activities, building confidence and simply enjoying being active”.