NI football stars launch initiative to tackle online abuse

A new educational platform aimed at helping young people tackle online bullying and abuse in sport has been launched by former Northern Ireland football internationals Aaron Hughes and Keith Gillespie.

BT has joined forces with the Irish FA and non-profit organisation Cybersmile to kick off the Hope United Roadshows in Armagh and Greenisland, which provide youngsters with content from the new platform as well as offering them a football masterclass.

The modules are available to everyone, for free, from Monday at cybersmileeducation.org/cat/roadshow.

The platform comprises three modules focusing on upskilling users and educating them on how to be good digital citizens.

The modules include content specific from each FA team across the UK including Northern Ireland's Jamal Lewis, England's Harry Kane, Wales' Helen Ward and Scotland's Lana Cleland, as they discuss their personal experience of online hate and abuse.

Newcastle United's Jamal said: "Some people think that, as footballers, we should be able to deal with social media abuse, that it's a 'part of the job'.

"But this couldn't be further from the truth.

"That's why it's so important we show young people that a post or comment doesn't just live online but can have a long-lasting impact.

"The Hope United Roadshow allows us to start that conversation with the next generation of players in Northern Ireland and across the UK."

Keith Gillespie added: "It is long overdue that as a society more is done to tackle abuse on social media and I'm so proud to be involved in today's BT and Cybersmile launch.

"The new platform will help kids know how to deal with online abuse."

Aaron Hughes said: "Initiatives like the Hope United Roadshow will play a big role in ensuring kids grow