The Ladies Gaelic Football Association and its official retail partner, Lidl Ireland, are delighted to launch the 2026 #SeriousSupport Club Programme – an initiative dedicated to supporting and promoting youth mental health in local communities.
Following the success of the 2025 cycle, applications are now open for clubs nationwide to participate in the 2026 programme. The initiative aims to create a lasting impact at the grassroots level by fostering safe, positive spaces for young people to connect and share experiences.
One club from each county will be selected to participate in the 2026 programme, ensuring a meaningful nationwide impact across all four provinces.The initiative is built around the ‘five a day’ approach to mental wellbeing, focusing on five key themes: ‘connect’, ‘be active’, ‘take notice’, ‘keep learning’, and ‘give.’
The Lidl #SeriousSupport Club Programme aims to raise awareness and improve understanding of mental health while empowering clubs to positively affect their members and teams.
The 2026 programme will commence with training in April and run through to July. Participating clubs are encouraged to document their journey on social media using the hashtag #SeriousSupport, while logging activities via the dedicated online portal.
Clubs completing all five steps will receive official Lidl #SeriousSupport accreditation and a new set of jerseys. Accredited clubs will also be eligible to compete for one of three funding awards totaling €10,000:
Most Innovative Initiative – €2,500
Strongest Community Involvement – €2,500
Best Overall Programme Engagement – €5,000
Nominations are open until 10th April, with one club from each county selected to participate in the 2026 programme. Clubs can apply at: lidl.ie/serioussupportclub
Lidl and the LGFA would also like to congratulate the 2025 winners:
Most Innovative: Clonard Volunteers (Wexford)
Strongest Community Engagement: Tyholland (Monaghan)
Best Overall Engagement: Cahir (Tipperary)
Speaking about the launch, Eimear O’Sullivan, Corporate Affairs Director for Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said:
"We are delighted to once again invite LGFA clubs to be part of this impactful initiative. Team sport plays a vital role in supporting young people’s wellbeing. We look forward to seeing clubs embrace the five themes, and I would like to specifically congratulate our 2025 winners: Cahir, Clonard Volunteers, and Tyholland for their inspiring contributions last year."
Ladies Gaelic Football Association President, Trina Murray, added:
“Our partnership with Lidl Ireland continues to deliver meaningful mental health initiatives. The #SeriousSupport Club Programme has already demonstrated the positive impact clubs can have when mental wellbeing is prioritised. I encourage all clubs to register for what promises to be another powerful programme in 2026.”
LGFA TALK Project – Northern Ireland
The LGFA is also pleased to confirm the continuation of the LGFA TALK Project in 2026 for clubs in Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh, and Tyrone. This six-week initiative is designed to increase awareness of positive mental health among members aged 13–18.
Clubs can register their interest at: ladiesgaelic.ie/lgfa-hub/clubs/lgfa-talk-project/
