Lidl Northern Ireland today revealed the list of 28 post primary schools to successfully secure a place on the retailer’s award-winning Sport for Good programme for the 2024/2025 academic year.

Established in 2019, Lidl Northern Ireland’s Sport for Good campaign has supported almost 200 sports clubs and schools across Northern Ireland to date and provided around £400,000 in funding to encourage more young people into sport.

More than 1,100 pupils across the region are set to benefit from this year’s programme, which will see Northern Ireland’s sporting elite deliver a series of dedicated mental health workshops designed to enable young people to better manage stress, build resilience and self-esteem and view sport and movement as tools for looking after their mental wellbeing.

The team of specially selected Sport for Good mentors who have been trained to deliver the workshops include Olympic hockey hero Eugene Magee, four-time Paralympic athletics champion Michael McKillop MBE, Olympic steeplechase runner Kerry O’Flaherty and Commonwealth athlete Ciaran Chambers.

Developed in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, the UK’s leading charity dedicated to improving young people’s education and development through sport and play, Lidl Northern Ireland’s Sport for Good programme will see the athletes visit the 28 successful schools throughout the year, with each school also receiving £1,000 worth of brand-new sports equipment.

Commenting on the Sport for Good workshops and their impact on young people, mentor Kerry O’Flaherty said:

“I am proud to work with Lidl Northern Ireland and the Youth Sport Trust again this year as a mentor for the Sport for Good programme which has made a real difference to students across Northern Ireland. These workshops help young people understand how to maintain their physical and mental health, while also demonstrating to them how participating in sport and exercise can build their confidence, self-esteem, and resilience.

I'm looking forward to visiting schools across Northern Ireland and meeting students participating in this year's programme. It's always hugely rewarding to witness a shift in their mindset, and to hear from teachers about the concrete benefits they and their students gain from the programme."

Lidl Northern Ireland’s Sport for Good Mental Health Athlete Mentorship was developed after research revealed that the wellbeing of children in Northern Ireland is at its lowest level since 2010, and 45.2% of 16-year-olds have a probable mental illness.*

Commenting on the success of the programme to date, Gordon Cruikshanks, Regional Managing Director for Lidl Northern Ireland said:

“Since 2019, Sport for Good has become a cornerstone of our community engagement strategy, making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across the region. The mental health challenges facing young people today require innovative approaches, which is why we've partnered with the Youth Sport Trust and assembled an exceptional team of inspiring athlete mentors who provide practical guidance on building resilience through sport.

Seeing the programme's impact is truly rewarding - with 100% of teachers involved in the 2023 programme reporting improved confidence and over 80% of their students experiencing an improvement in their wellbeing. The £1,000 equipment grant also ensures this positive impact continues beyond our workshops, supporting teachers and students to use sport and exercise to promote positive mental and physical wellbeing.”

Ali Oliver MBE, CEO of the Youth Sport Trust said:

“At the Youth Sport Trust, we believe improving young people's mental wellbeing is more crucial than ever, especially during these challenging times. Physical health and mental health are deeply interconnected, and our relationships with sport can have a transformative impact on both. This is why we're delighted to continue our valued partnership with Lidl Northern Ireland. The Sport for Good programme plays a vital role in supporting young people across the region, helping them navigate both physical and mental health challenges through the power of sport and play.

“Our athlete mentors serve not only as guides but as powerful sources of inspiration for students, demonstrating how physical activity can enhance confidence, resilience, and overall wellbeing. As we enter another year of this successful programme, we're excited to bring these workshops to the selected schools and equip even more students with the skills and opportunities they need to develop, grow and succeed.”

For more information, please visit lidl-ni.co.uk/lidl-community-works

**Source: Young Life and Times and Kids’ Life and Times survey (2023)