Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1172058
36 | AUTUMN 2019 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie PARTNERS Lidl Ireland Invests over €125,000 in new #SeriousSupport Schools Programme L idl Ireland officially launched the Lidl #SeriousSupport Schools Programme, supported by the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and delivered by the Youth Sports Trust. Lidl Ireland have invested over €125,000 in this new initiative which aims to reduce the drop-off rate in sport participation amongst girls aged 11-14 years. The programme is based on research undertaken by Lidl. They examined how sport participation impacts the lives of women both on and off the pitch and the factors that influence dropout rates. THEY FOUND THAT: 1. By age 13, 1 in 2 girls drop out of sport. 2. Girls are 3 times more likely to give up sport than boys. 3. Girls who continue to play team sports are 4 times more likely to feel body confident, 50% feel more supported and 80% are more likely to have positive mental wellbeing when compared with their peers who do not play sport. The Lidl #SeriousSupport Programme will see 33 chosen schools across Ireland partner with one of Lidl's ten athlete mentors who are current or former elite-level ladies Gaelic football players. Their experience is at the highest level and all have inspiring stories to share and are committed to using sport to transform the lives of young people. The athlete mentors will introduce students to the Lidl values, which are key to the success of elite athletes. The mentors involved are Carla Rowe, Dublin; Lyndsey Davey, Dublin; Caroline O'Hanlon, Armagh; Donna Berry, Kildare; Eilish Ward, Donegal; Katy Herron, Donegal; Louise Galvin, Kerry; Lucy Hannon, Galway; Sinead Burke, Galway; and Cora Staunton, Mayo. All schools involved will receive inspirational assembly talks, #SeriousSupport workshops from their mentors and will then undertake a Ladies Gaelic Football project of their own throughout the year, applying the concepts they've learnt through the workshops. Piloted in seven schools, the Lidl #SeriousSupport Schools Programme has delivered proven results and provides schools with the opportunity to make a considerable impact amongst young female students. A REVIEW OF THE PILOT PROGRAMME FOUND THAT • 96% of participants felt the programme increased their aspirations • 92% felt it increased their confidence. • 98% found the programme increased their team work. *This programme will be rolled out in schools in Northern Ireland under the heading of the #LGFASupportProgramme. The programme will have the same format and will be delivered by the trained athlete mentors through Youth Sport Trust.