The Irish Football Association has announced its ‘Going for Goal’ official charity partners for the next two years. Three charities with a strong reputation for ‘grassroots’ work with disadvantaged and vulnerable people in all communities across Northern Ireland will partner the IFA during the 2010 World Cup Campaign.

The IFA’s charity partners are Mencap, Positive Futures and The Prince’s Trust. The Prince’s Trust helps young people who most need help to overcome barriers and get their lives working.Positive Futures and Mencap both support people with a learning disability and their families.

Announcing the partnership, the IFA’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Geoff Wilson said: “Our three official charity partners took part in a demanding selection process. Like the Irish FA they have a huge commitment to work at community level and we were convinced that they are the perfect partners for football in Northern Ireland. We hope all Northern Ireland supporters and Supporters Clubs will get behind these fantastic charities.”

The IFA and its sponsors will be backing its ‘Going for Goal’ charities with a range of fundraising and publicity initiatives. The charities will have the opportunity to make the public more aware of their work, carry out collections at all Northern Ireland home international games and organise other fundraising initiatives.

Fans and Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs can find out more about the IFA’s partnership with Positive Futures, The Prince’s Trust and Mencap at www.irishfa.com/the-ifa/going-for-goal