SPARK Launch

Mid Ulster is set to benefit from a major new programme aimed at supporting children and young people from disadvantaged communities through sport, wellbeing and leadership development. Led by Healthy Kidz in partnership with AB Coaching, the three-year initiative will be delivered across the Mid Ulster District Council area, promoting inclusion, resilience and good relations.

Known as SPARK (Sports Programme for Active Resilient Kidz and Youth), the project forms part of Mid Ulster District Council’s co-designed €5.2M Local Community PEACEPLUS Action Plan. The Action Plan and the Healthy Kidz led project are supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

As part of the SPARK Project, young people can take part in sports camps, wellbeing and nutrition workshops, good relations activities and leadership development programmes. Older participants will also have opportunities to gain coaching qualifications and access paid summer roles.

The programme was launched on Friday, 13th February with community and council representatives joining over 40 children in many sporting activities in Cookstown Leisure Centre. SPARK will be delivered in Magherafelt, Dungannon, Coalisland and Cookstown, targeting some of the most disadvantaged areas in the district. Over the three-year period, at least 175 young people per year will participate in structured activities designed to remove barriers linked to poverty and social exclusion.

Healthy Kidz and Mid Ulster District Council hope the programme will create lasting impact through improved wellbeing, stronger community connections and a new generation of confident young leaders who act as ambassadors for inclusion and peace.

Announcing the project, Niall Gavin, Programme Coordinator for Healthy Kidz, said:

“SPARK is about lighting a fire in the next generation. Through sport and wellbeing, we want to help young people discover their potential, build resilience and develop the confidence to become positive role models within their communities. By removing financial barriers linked to poverty, this programme ensures that every young person has the opportunity to take part, grow and thrive.”

Councillor John McNamee, Chairperson of the Mid Ulster PEACEPLUS Partnership, said:

“The SPARK programme is an excellent example of how PEACEPLUS funding can be used to make a real and lasting difference at community level. By investing in young people and providing them with opportunities to develop confidence, resilience and positive relationships, this project directly supports our commitment to building thriving, inclusive and connected communities across Mid Ulster.”

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Frances Burton, added:

“This initiative demonstrates the power of partnership working in addressing social disadvantage and creating meaningful opportunities for our young people. Through sport, wellbeing and leadership development, SPARK will help nurture confidence, encourage participation and promote good relations across our district. We are proud to support a programme that will have such a positive long-term impact on individuals and communities alike.”

The Healthy Kidz led project is one of nine projects across the Mid Ulster District Council area, running over three years, that contribute to the PEACEPLUS themes of Thriving and Peaceful Communities, Building Respect for All Cultural Identities, and Local Community Regeneration and Transformation. Any groups working with youth from disadvantaged backgrounds in the 4 Mid Ulster areas please get in touch with Healthy Kidz (Richie Smith: richie@healthy-kidz.com)