The funding will be used to enhance access to sport, physical activity, and wellbeing initiatives for schools, sports clubs, athletes, community groups, and individuals across the Borough.
The funding has supported a variety of programmes, including:
Healthy Kids Programme – 1,000 P7 students across 30 primary schools are participating in workshops focused on wellbeing, nutrition (Eat Well to Be Well), and physical activity. Led by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council staff, the programme aims to empower children to make healthier food choices and prioritise both their physical and mental wellbeing.
School Swimming Programme – Twelve schools are participating in this swimming initiative, which provides eight weeks of swimming lessons at Antrim Forum, Sixmile, and the Valley Leisure Centre. The funding will cover transport, lessons, and pool hire.
Teens Strength & Fitness Programme – Up to 100 young people aged 12–15 are taking part in eight weeks of fitness classes delivered by the Council’s fitness instructors at five leisure centres throughout February and March.
Sports Clubs Workshops – In March, four workshops will be available for sports clubs, coaches, players, and athletes in the Borough. Led by industry experts, these sessions will focus on performance improvement and nutrition, as well as providing practical advice for teams and individuals on topics such as athletic conditioning and dead-ball kicking in field sports. Additionally, an online session will offer guidance on applying for the Leisure Grants programme. The successful Women’s Winter Running Workshop, held in January with special guest and European Gold Medallist Ciara Mageean, was also part of this programme. Full details are available here
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly, commented:
“This funding has provided exciting opportunities for people of all ages to participate in activities that will positively impact their fitness, nutrition, and wellbeing.
“With Sport NI’s support, the Council has been able to offer tailored programmes designed to engage young children, aspiring athletes, and local sports teams, providing expert guidance to enhance their performance. We are excited to see the lasting benefits these initiatives will bring to our communities and grassroots sports development."
Richard Archibald, Interim CEO at Sport Northern Ireland, added:
“At Sport NI we believe in the power of sport to change lives. We’re delighted to invest into the Antrim & Newtownabbey area through our Community Planning Investment Programme to bring more opportunities for sport and physical activity to local residents. It has been brilliant to visit some of the projects to see how this funding will encourage people of all ages and abilities to take part in sport.”
