A Co Antrim football club has collaborated with Newtownabbey students to support their mental health after the pandemic.
Staff at Northern Regional College’s Newtownabbey campus have joined forces with Greenisland Football Club to develop a ten-week health and fitness programme that will support student mental well-being.
The pilot will run from February onwards with students on the College Connect programme at the Newtownabbey and Ballymena campuses.
Childcare Lecturer Katrina McCallion said: "The past two years have been difficult for all students, particularly those with additional learning needs struggling with changes in their usual routine.
"When classes went online, many of students suffered from social isolation. A lack of social interaction had a detrimental impact on students’ mental health.
"We saw a decline in students lesson attendance and participation in class. We tried to think outside the box to implement different ways to encourage students to engage."
Katrina was previously involved with ‘Soccer Brains’, an initiative with Crusaders Football Club, designed to encourage the students to get acquire new skills and qualifications in a different and fun way.
Inspired by the success of that project, she contacted Laurence Gilloway, Outreach Coordinator at Greenisland Football Club, to see if the club could help in any way.
Speaking after the first session, Carrick teenager Saul Davidson who attends the College’s Newtownabbey campus said he enjoyed the break from the usual routine.
He added: "It’s an opportunity to try something new and meet new people and so far, so good."
Cameron Fitzpatrick from Antrim, who attends the College in Ballymena commented: "I had never tried yoga before, I enjoyed the introduction session we did so I’ll have another go at it next week."
Laurence Gilloway, who in addition to his Community Outreach Co-ordinator role is an experienced community youth worker, said the sessions will be tailored to meet the needs and abilities of the students.
"The coaches at Greenisland FC have a wealth of experience working with young people and they are committed to the club’s ethos of giving back to the local community," Lawrence explained.
"As we get into the programme and get to know the students, we’ll have a better understanding of what will work best for them, and we will be able to adapt the programme to suit their needs."
The Promoting Positive Mental Health Programme will be trialled with the College Connect students from February - the weekly three-hour programme at the club’s facilities in Greenisland will include strategies to promote and maintain positive mental health, strength and conditioning and football sessions.
It has been proposed to extend the programme later this year to Childcare, Health and Social Care and Inclusive Learning students.
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