Rhys McClenaghan and Bethany Firth lead Lidl NI’s mental health Sport for Good schools programme

Lidl Northern Ireland has announced the return of its award-winning Sport for Good Mental Health Athlete Mentorship programme for the 2025 school year, with Olympic champions Rhys McClenaghan and Bethany Firth OBE once again leading the call for schools to take part.

Developed in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, the initiative provides secondary schools across Northern Ireland with athlete-led workshops designed to help young people build resilience, self-esteem and practical coping skills to support their mental wellbeing.

Since its launch in 2019, the Sport for Good programme has reached more than 100 secondary schools and represents a £400,000 investment in youth wellbeing.

‘Resilience is a key skill’ – Rhys McClenaghan

Olympic gymnast Rhys McClenaghan, who recently underwent shoulder surgery, said he has personally experienced the importance of mental resilience.

“I am delighted to continue working with Lidl Northern Ireland on the 2025 Sport for Good programme. I’ve been an ambassador for the last six years and have experienced first-hand the amazing impact it has had on young people,” he said.

“The workshops have been developed to really tackle mental health head on and empower students with the knowledge, confidence and skills to better manage daily issues and their overall mental health.

“As an Olympic champion athlete, I’m no stranger to adversity and I understand how important mental health is for overall wellbeing. For me, resilience is a key skill that I continue to develop through the ups and downs of professional sport.

“Recently, I underwent surgery for a shoulder injury and again found myself relying on the skills I have developed over the years to keep a positive outlook throughout recovery and not let setbacks interrupt my overall goals.”

He added: “It’s skills like these that pupils really need and Lidl Northern Ireland’s Sport for Good programme provides very practical, supportive and bespoke training, delivered by amazing local athletes, which resonates so well with pupils.”

Athlete mentors inspiring young people

Alongside McClenaghan and Paralympic swimming star Bethany Firth, this year’s mentors include four-time Paralympic champion Michael McKillop MBE, Olympic hockey player Eugene Magee, Commonwealth badminton player Ciaran Chambers, and Olympic steeplechase runner Kerry O’Flaherty.

O’Flaherty highlighted the positive impact of the workshops:

“Being an athlete mentor on the programme and working closely with Lidl and Youth Sport Trust has enabled me to see first-hand the impact this programme has on the young people, and how important it is to teach them how to prioritise their mental health.”

Backed by Youth Sport Trust

Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, said the partnership continues to make a measurable difference:

“Improving young people’s mental wellbeing is a priority for the Youth Sport Trust, which is why we are proud to continue our partnership with Lidl Northern Ireland. Through Sport for Good, we provide practical support that helps pupils manage both their physical and mental health through the power of sport.”

‘Truly rewarding’ results

Lidl Northern Ireland Regional Managing Director Gordon Cruikshanks praised the impact of the initiative:

“Over the years Lidl Northern Ireland, Youth Sport Trust and the athlete mentors have put so much work into the Sport for Good programme, and we are delighted that this will continue into 2025 and 2026.

“Previous programme feedback found that 100 per cent of participating teachers reported improved pupil confidence and enjoyment of sport, whilst 73 per cent of pupils reported higher resilience which is exactly what this programme is all about.”

Applications now open

Applications are now open for schools across Northern Ireland until Sunday 14th September, via Lidl Community Works.