Boston youth hockey players from Allston-Brighton, Dorchester and South Boston are traveling to Belfast this year through a longstanding sister-city cultural exchange honored by the City Council.

BOSTON --

YOUTH LEAGUES -- The Boston City Council recognized Boston to Belfast Youth Empowerment at its Aug. 26 meeting, honoring this year's group of youth hockey players making the trip to Northern Ireland. The council noted the nonprofit is now in its seventh year of sending Boston kids abroad as part of the city's sister-city relationship with Belfast, established under Mayor Walsh. The program's founder told the council it uses hockey "as a link to teach kids between the ages of 13 to 15 about leadership, civic engagement, cultural awareness, and learning for respecting other cultures." This year's travelers include players from Allston Brighton Youth Hockey, Dorchester Youth Hockey and South Boston. The trip will include meetings with Belfast's Lord Mayor and the Consul General to the U.S. from Northern Ireland. A councilor noted that Councilor Murphy's daughter serves as a coach with the organization. The council also referenced the annual Friendship 4 college hockey tournament held in Belfast, which features American college hockey teams and celebrates the Boston-Belfast bond.

Compiled from team and league reports, reader submissions, and local coverage.