Lidl Northern Ireland has announced the return of its Sport for Good mental health athlete mentor programme for secondary school pupils, designed to equip young people with the skills to better manage stress, build resilience and self-esteem, and view sport and movement as positive tools for looking after their mental wellbeing.

Led by Lidl Northern Ireland Sport for Good ambassadors Rhys McClenaghan and Kerry O’Flaherty alongside a group of experienced Youth Sport Trust athlete mentors, the Olympians will share their experience from years of training, competition and setbacks and passing on the lessons they’ve learned to show young people how to manage pressure, rebuild confidence and improve their mental wellbeing through sport.

Secondary schools across Northern Ireland are being invited to apply for a place on this year’s Lidl Northern Ireland Sport for Good programme where they will receive visits from local sporting hero athlete mentors who will deliver a series of dedicated mental health workshops across key areas of mental wellbeing. Participating schools will also receive £1,000 worth of sports equipment.

Delivered in partnership with Youth Sport Trust, the programme is now in its sixth year and to date has supported more than 125 schools since 2019, backed by more than £400,000 in funding. More than 1,200 pupils took part across 24 schools during the 2025/26 school year.

Sport for Good

Commenting on this year’s launch, Olympic champion gymnast and Sport for Good ambassador, Rhys McClenaghan said: “Gymnastics might look like an individual sport when you’re out there competing, but no athlete does it alone. I’ve had people around me throughout my career, and I’ve also had to learn what helps me when there’s pressure, when confidence takes a hit or when something doesn’t go to plan. It’s also really important to know how to bounce back from disappointment and build resilience. Those lessons don’t only apply to elite sport. Young people deal with their own pressures every day, and learning how to respond, who you can talk to and what helps you feel like yourself again can make such a difference.

“Sport for Good gives young people practical tools they can actually use, while reminding them that asking for support is part of being strong. It’s an amazing programme that has had such an impact on hundreds of young people already, and I’d encourage schools across Northern Ireland to get involved this year.”

Sport for Good mentor and Olympic Steeplechase Athlete Kerry O’Flaherty has seen first-hand the impact the programme has in schools: “Sport teaches you very quickly that things won’t always go to plan. There are barriers, disappointments and days when confidence isn’t there, and learning how to deal with those times is every bit as important as the good days. That’s what we want young people to take from Sport for Good. You don’t have to be an athlete or even think of yourself as ‘sporty’. It’s about finding the tools and support that work for you and understanding the positive role movement can play in how you feel.”

Following workshops with the programme’s athlete mentors, pupils are empowered to take the lead by supporting their peers and developing their own physical activity and wellbeing projects within school. Latest programme feedback revealed that 95% of teachers reported improved pupil resilience, while over 80% of student mentors reported stronger connection after taking part.

Gordon Cruikshanks, Regional Managing Director for Lidl Northern Ireland, said: “Lidl Northern Ireland is proud to be giving young people the opportunity to build confidence, resilience and positive mental wellbeing through Sport for Good. Sport is a powerful starting point, but the programme goes beyond the athlete visit, giving pupils practical tools and the confidence to support one another. After six years, we’re excited to welcome more schools to the Sport for Good team and help even more young people benefit from this bespoke programme.”

Ali Oliver MBE, Youth Sport Trust CEO said: “Sport reminds us that we’re stronger when we’re part of a team. Through Sport for Good, we’re helping young people build the confidence, resilience and support networks they need to navigate life’s challenges. We’re proud to work with Lidl Northern Ireland to give more young people the tools to look after their wellbeing and support those around them.”

Applications for the 2026/27 Lidl Northern Ireland Sport for Good programme open today Thursday 3rd of September and close on Friday 25th September 2026 at 10am.