From a teenager finding direction in Ardoyne to a youth leader helping others see their potential, Pierce McConnell’s story shows how belief, opportunity and partnership can transform lives.

Finding Purpose in the Heart of Ardoyne

Growing up in Ardoyne, Pierce found his community through sport and youth work.

“That’s really where I got most of my opportunities in terms of informal education and skill development.”

When RCITY launched in 2013, linking Ardoyne Youth Club and Hammer Youth Club, Pierce joined without knowing what to expect.

“I just joined because my friends were doing it. I didn’t know where it would lead.”

That small decision shaped his future. Over time, he became a volunteer, youth leader and mentor, gaining international experience and the confidence to go to university.

“It led me down a path to university, then into employment, and now I’m managing programmes myself.”

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

As a young person, Pierce saw the challenges around him - antisocial behaviour, drugs, and community tensions.

Today, those issues look different but still impact young lives.

“Boredom was the number one issue,” he explains. “When we looked deeper, it came down to a lack of opportunities, especially the right kinds of opportunities.”

He also sees how social media fuels comparison and self-doubt.

“They think their lives aren’t as exciting as what they see online. Their expectations are being set by influencers, not reality.”

Through RCITY, Pierce helps young people rediscover purpose, confidence and belonging.

Building Bridges with Queen’s University

The partnership between RCITY and Queen’s University Belfast has been central to Pierce’s journey. It began with the Impact Global project and grew through the Graduate School’s outreach work.

“Queen’s saw potential in young people from working-class communities. People who maybe lacked opportunity but had real talent and drive.”

That collaboration led to programmes like Leadership for Life, helping young people build confidence and imagine themselves in higher education.

“It’s about bridging that gap between working-class communities and universities, showing young people they belong in those spaces.”

Seeing the Ripple Effect

For Pierce, making a difference is about more than helping one person-  it’s about changing mindsets.

“It’s about being there for people, supporting them, raising their aspirations and doing it without expecting anything in return.”

The impact is clear.

“Ten or fifteen years ago, young people here didn’t believe university was for them. Now every year more are applying. They see their friends doing it and start to believe they can too.”

That shift reaches far beyond RCITY.

“It filters into schools, sports clubs and homes. Parents are encouraging their kids. Younger siblings are following in their footsteps. It’s spreading across the city, and that’s exactly what we want.”

Looking Ahead with Hope

Pierce wants to see the partnership grow so that even more young people can access opportunity.

“We don’t want this just to be about RCITY. We want young people from all across Belfast to have these opportunities.”

He dreams of a time when seeing someone from his community graduate from Queen’s is normal, not exceptional.

“If I can do it, you can do it. And we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.”

Celebrating 180 Years of Impact

The QUB 180 campaign celebrates 180 years of progress, discovery and positive change.

Pierce’s story captures that spirit. His work with RCITY and Queen’s shows how belief, education and collaboration can spark real transformation.

“When you expose young people to new environments and believe in them, they start believing in themselves. That’s where change really begins.”

 

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