Former Irish League stars lead new 12-week football programme for Holywell Hospital mental health patients

Retired Irish League footballers Jeff Hughes

Patients receiving care at Holywell Hospital are taking part in a new 12-week football coaching programme designed to support mental health recovery, build resilience and reduce social isolation.

The initiative, launched by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, is giving service users meaningful time away from the ward through structured coaching sessions led by former Irish League footballers and fully qualified coaches.

The programme has been made possible through support from the Trust’s Charitable Trust Funds, with patients already benefitting from the first sessions.

Designed to support recovery beyond the ward

The football series has been specifically developed to offer patients opportunities for physical activity, social connection and emotional wellbeing during their time in hospital.

Alongside exercise, the sessions are intended to create a supportive environment where service users can engage with others, build confidence and develop resilience as part of their wider recovery journey.

Ashleigh Moss, Head of Mental Health Inpatient Services at Holywell Hospital, said the benefits of the initiative are strongly backed by research.

She said:

“Research has indicated that playing football can improve mental health as it increases the supply of serotonin, the hormones that make people feel happy. We know that playing football can also help reduce anxiety and stress and help with social isolation among other things.

“That is why it’s important that we can provide activities like this for those who use our services and it simply wouldn’t be possible without the support we received from Charitable Trust Funds.

“We would like to sincerely thank all those who contribute to Charitable Trust funds – your support is invaluable and makes a huge difference.”

Former professionals bringing experience and support

The sessions are being delivered by retired Irish League footballers Jeff Hughes, David McDaid and Johnny McMurray.

All three are fully qualified coaches and bring significant experience from the professional game in Northern Ireland and beyond.

Jeff Hughes, a former Northern Ireland international, played for his hometown club Larne F.C. and also spent time with English clubs including Crystal Palace F.C., Bristol Rovers F.C. and Notts County F.C..

David McDaid’s playing career included spells with Glenavon F.C., Coleraine F.C., Cliftonville F.C., Larne F.C. and Ballymena United F.C..

Johnny McMurray has also represented Ballymena United F.C., Cliftonville F.C., Larne F.C. and Warrenpoint Town F.C. during his career.

Speaking after the opening session, Hughes said the impact of the programme goes far beyond football itself.

He said:

“These sessions are about much more than sport - football has a unique way of bringing people together.

“Through the coaching sessions, we can create a supportive space where people feel valued, included and empowered to take steps forward.

“It is something that lies close to my heart. I have always tried to do things around mental health because I know how important it is.

“There is still a stigma in society that men, in particular, can’t show any kind of weakness or admit to feeling low. But that shouldn’t be the case. Everyone should be encouraged to share their feelings without being judged and should be supported to do so.

“We have had a great session today and the feedback has been very encouraging.”

Backed by charitable support across the Northern Trust

The Northern Trust said its Charitable Trust Funds continue to play a vital role in improving patient experiences across its services.

Across the Trust, the funds are used to provide activities, resources and equipment that would otherwise not be possible through standard service provision.

This includes support for patients, residents and clients in a wide range of care settings, helping to enhance wellbeing and quality of life.

Donations come from individuals, community groups, families, service users, sports clubs, schools and businesses, ranging from as little as £10 to contributions worth thousands of pounds.

The Trust said this latest initiative is a strong example of how charitable giving can directly support innovative mental health services and meaningful recovery-focused programmes.

How to support the fund

Those wishing to support the Northern Trust’s Charitable Trust Funds can do so by contacting the Trust directly.

Donations can be made by emailing charitabletrustfunds@northerntrust.hscni.net or by calling 028 2563 5333.

Further information about the Charitable Trust Funds is also available from the Northern Trust.

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At a glance:

• Holywell Hospital has launched a new 12-week football coaching programme

• The initiative supports mental health inpatients within the Northern Trust

• Sessions are led by former Irish League players and qualified coaches

• The programme is funded through Charitable Trust Funds

• The aim is to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and build resilience

• Early feedback from the first session has been highly encouraging