Lidl Ireland has announced 26 schools – one from each county in the Republic of Ireland – to take part in its #SeriousSupport Schools Programme for the 2025/26 school year.
Now in its eighth year, this programme continues to make an impact, and this year it represents an investment of more than €120,000 in schools across the country.
Supported by the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and delivered by Youth Sport Trust and their specially trained athlete mentors, all of whom are current or former inter-county ladies Gaelic football players, the programme is designed to educate teenage girls about the positive mental and physical health benefits of playing sport.
The programme, which is delivered through workshops and team-building sessions, aims to increase participation and reduce drop-out rates for teenagers in the sport.
Some 26 schools across Ireland will have the opportunity to benefit from the programme along with a brand-new set of jerseys for their school team.
This year’s programme will be delivered by an impressive lineup of LGFA inter-county players: Anne Marie Doran (Kildare), Deirdre O’Reilly (Cork), Leah Caffrey (Dublin), Hannah Tyrell (Dublin), Therese McNally (Monaghan), Cathy Carey (Antrim), Samantha Lambert (Tipperary), Muireann Devaney (Leitrim), Charlene Tyrell (Leitrim), Joanne Doonan (Fermanagh), Susanne White (Donegal), Sophie Daly (Cavan), Meabh De Burca (Galway) and Laurie Ryan (Clare).
Speaking about the initiative, president of the LGFA Trina Murray said, “We’re delighted to unveil the schools selected for Lidl’s #SeriousSupport Schools Programme 2025/26, alongside our incredible line-up of athlete mentors.
“These mentors, inter-county stars and community role models bring a wealth of experience and inspiration to the students they support.
“Year after year, their guidance provides invaluable, helping young people build essential life skills during the pivotal stage in their development.
“The feedback from past programmes has been overwhelmingly positive, with students gaining confidence, resilience, and practical tools they carry into everyday life.
“There truly is no better group to learn from than these accomplished athletes.
“A huge thank you to Lidl Ireland for championing this initiative, and to Youth Sport Trust for their continued partnership in making it all happen.”
CEO of Youth Sport Trust, Ali Oliver MBE, added, “We’re delighted to collaborate with two organisations who share our values and commitment to youth development.
“Together, we’re creating more opportunities for girls to thrive through sport and access the life-changing benefits it brings.”
Brand embassy director for Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland Tom Mughal said, “Our long-standing partnership with the LGFA has always been driven by one goal: making a meaningful impact at grassroots level in communities across Ireland.
“We’re thrilled to launch the eighth year of Lidl’s #SeriousSupport Schools Programme, representing an investment of more than €120,000 in schools nationwide.
“The growing number of participating schools and students speaks volumes about the programme’s success and the feedback we’ve received has been nothing short of inspiring.
“It’s clear that this initiative is making a real difference in the lives of young people.
“Research continues to show the powerful benefits of sport for young girls, from improved physical and mental wellbeing to greater confidence and resilience.
“Through our team of exceptional athlete mentors and true sporting heroes, we’re helping to identify and break down the barriers that prevent participation, supporting students on their journey to healthier, more active lives.
“Congratulations to the 26 schools selected for this year’s programme, and a heartfelt thank you to our loyal shoppers who took the time to nominate their local schools.
“Your support helps bring this programme to life.”
