Sport Changes Life

𝙇𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙣 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙨 𝙃𝙖𝙡𝙛 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙣 2026 - 24 𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙤!! 🏃‍♂️ Meet #TeamSCL – Alan Teggart🏃‍♂️
CEO of Sport Changes Life Foundation Next up in our runner introductions is no stranger to the foundation, Alan Teggart. He is not only representing the charity — but the team, the board, and everyone whose lives are touched by our programmes. Alan, from Co. Armagh, describes himself as an advanced runner (only with a ball at his feet!!), and has spent the last 12 years with the foundation. He has huge involvement in sport away from the foundation but continues to use it daily to inspire, connect, and empower. Now he’s lacing up his running shoes to take on his first‑ever half marathon for the cause he lives and breathes. Here is what he shared👇 --- Why I'm Running "I have been with the foundation for 12 years now & I want to actively get involved in fundraising for the young people & older adults whose lives are positively impacted by our work." What The Challenge Means To Me "For me, this run is about showing commitment — to our mission, our team, and the people who rely on us. It’s a chance to step outside my comfort zone just like those we support do, every day. It's also a constant reminder to myself why we love what we do!" Fun Fact "Having played football for 20+ years, I actually hate running!! This will be my first half marathon I will have been involved in." --- Quick‑Fire Questions Go‑to running song:
"Anything upbeat (and some Luke Combs)" Favourite place to train:
"Anywhere flat. Very flat. Ideally downhill. Bonus points if there’s a coffee at the end." One word to describe the half marathon:
Proud!! Most important item in the running kit:
"My trusted pair of running shoes! Nobody likes sore feet!" Pre‑race ritual:
"A quiet moment to relax, reset, and remind myself why I’m there" Your ‘Why’:
"Represent our team, board, and those we impact daily" Post‑race celebration plan:
"Spend time with our charity runners, who we are very thankful for!" --- We thank Alan for taking on the roads of London, as he steps up for #TeamSCL and the communities we proudly work in. 💙💛 👉 Support Alan & the team here:
🔗 justgiving.com/campaign/scl-l…

Reminder the below vacancy is still open - feel free to share, and/or directly with someone you feel may be suitably interested. Post to be filled end of March. 👇🏼 👇🏼

🏃‍♂️ 𝙈𝙚𝙚𝙩 #𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙎𝘾𝙇 – 𝙂𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙝 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 🏃‍♂️ 𝟏 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙤 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙣 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙨 𝙃𝙖𝙡𝙛 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙣! 🎉 Next up in our runner introductions is someone who embodies the spirit of Sport Changes Life — Gareth Brown of @zeus_packaging , long‑time ambassador, dedicated fundraiser, and all‑round believer in the power of sport. For the last 5 years, Gareth has taken on challenge after challenge, pushing himself far beyond the ordinary while continually giving back. His commitment to supporting young people and local communities through sport is truly inspiring. —— Here’s what Gareth shared with us 👇 Runner Name Gareth Brown Role/Connection Ambassador/fundraiser for the charity Hometown Belfast 🫶🏻 Running Level I presume experienced 😅 --- Why I'm Running "I'm running to give back to the community and support a charity that genuinely changes lives. Sport changed my life, namely running, so it ties in with my own story. I want to inspire others and have a positive impact." What the challenge means to me "Running in London is an opportunity on its own. I have done the mammoth challenges. I have tested myself mentally, physically, and emotionally beyond the norm. This run is about enjoyment, soaking up the experience... all before the next grueling task." Fun Fact "I have completed more Ultra Marathons than I have Marathons." --- Quick‑Fire Questions Go‑to running song: "I tend to run without music however when I do, my first selection tends to be Funkytown - Lipps Inc (dont ask)" Favourite place to train: "I enjoy running the Mourne Mountains, the challenge of it, the scenery, it’s just different." One word to describe how I feel about the half marathon: EXCITED Most important item in my running kit: "Mindset - the most vital asset to any run" Pre‑race ritual: "Visualisation - before any official event I vision myself crossing the finish line, I even write my social media post the night before..." Your ‘Why’: "Sport Changes Life - it's in the name. It raises the aspirations of young people. Sport breaks boundaries and pushes limits. Giving back, having a positive influence is key for me. I also want to inspire my kids, if I can do it, they can..." Post‑race celebration plan: "Post it on my Strava, if its not on Strava, did you even run it?" --- Gareth — thank you for everything you’ve already done for Sport Changes Life and for representing us in London. 💛💙 👉 Support Gareth & #TeamSCL here: 🔗 justgiving.com/campaign/scl-l… 1 month to go… let’s do this! 🏃‍♂️💪🏻

This morning, on International Women’s Day, SCL trustee Lynda was delighted to be part of a fantastic panel & event hosted by Blu Nutrition. Also owner of Forge Physiotherapy, Lynda spoke about the importance of moving the needle for women while also sharing more about the work of the Sport Changes Life Foundation and our mission to raise aspirations and create opportunities tthrough sport. A brilliant morning of connection, empowerment, and inspiration, surrounded by women leading the way in health, fitness, and wellness. 💓 Massive well done to Blu Nutrition for hosting such a meaningful event, and to everyone who attended and made generous donations on the day for charity. 🫶🏻👏🏻 #InternationalWomensDay #SportChangesLife #WomenInSport

𝑳𝙤𝒏𝙙𝒐𝙣 𝙇𝒂𝙣𝒅𝙢𝒂𝙧𝒌𝙨 𝙃𝒂𝙡𝒇 𝑴𝙖𝒓𝙖𝒕𝙝𝒐𝙣 - 𝙄𝒏𝙩𝒓𝙪𝒅𝙪𝒄𝙞𝒏𝙜 #𝑻𝙚𝒂𝙢𝑺𝘾𝑳 Over the next couple weeks. we will introduce those running the #LLHM2026 for Sport Changes Life. First up is, Lynda Brudenell 🏃‍♀️ Lynda, owner of Forge Physiotherapy in Lisburn, originally from Anahilt, describes herself as a “loosely intermediate” runner and is taking on this challenge for the foundation. We asked Lynda a few questions ahead of the 12th April event. 💛 Why I’m running: I am running to raise funds and awareness for Sport Changes Life — a charity that does the most amazing work in Northern Ireland, using sport as a vehicle to inspire, mentor and develop our young people. 🏅 What this challenge mean to me: Every mile I run is about shining a spotlight on the impact Sport Changes Life has across our local communities — and supporting the young people who benefit from that work. ⚡ Quick‑fire questions: • Go‑to running song: No music — I love the silence!! • Favourite place to train: The North Coast by the sea, the views are amazing! • One word for the half marathon: EXCITED!! • Must‑have item in my running bag: Energy gels! • Pre‑race ritual: Carb up and a panic pee — just in case! • Post‑race celebration: A burger and a pint 🍔🍺 Finally, a Fun fact: Running justifies those post‑run snacks… (and helps me stay ahead of my kids who are getting fast!). 🔗 You can support Lynda & #TeamSCL here 👇🏼 justgiving.com/campaign/scl-l… #SportChangesLife 🫶🏻

Last week was a busy period of half term camps, but the foundation was delighted to also support @IrelandHandball as part of their TEO funded camp at Queens Sport PEC, Belfast. Michael from the team, helped deliver a Good Relations workshop that gave young people the opportunity to explore what good relations is and an introduction to what it means in practice - respect, inclusion and understanding. The sessions created space for open discussions and shared learning. A strong reminder that sport in its wider context provides more than physical activity, it can be a practical platform for building positive relationships. You can find out more about Olympic Handball Ireland here 👇🏼 olympichandball.org Thanks for having us along 👏🏻 #SportChangesLife #OlympicHandball #GoodRelations

WE’RE HIRING | JOBSTART OPPORTUNITY Sport Changes Life is recruiting a Community Liaison Support Officer through the JobStart Scheme. Location: Belfast Vacancy ID: 1752802 This is an exciting opportunity that will involve supporting the delivery of our sport led intervention programmes and strengthening our relationships in the community. Who can apply? This role is part of the JobStart Scheme and is open to working-age benefit claimants who are deemed eligible by a Work Coach. How to apply: If you’re on Universal Credit → message your Work Coach via your Journal and quote: Vacancy ID: 1752802 Alternatively, send your CV initially to info@sportchangeslife.com and we can support your next steps of applying. If you receive another working-age benefit → contact your local Jobs & Benefits Officer. Find out more 👇🏼 jobapplyni.com/Vacancy/Vacanc…

⚽️🫶🏻@ANDborough Mayor’s Cup 2026 – Final Day 🌍⚽️ What a way to finish three fantastic days of football, friendship and belonging. Yesterday’s finale saw all participants integrated into mixed World Cup teams, strengthening new friendships and reinforcing that powerful sense of belonging across the borough. This brought plenty of competition, fun and positivity, but most importantly, respect and teamwork. 😅 After almost 2 hours of games, Bangor Foodbank & Community Support provided a wonderful BBQ, with North Down & Ards Women’s Aid in attendance & supporting once more, as parents and families joined us for the closing celebration.🎉 🙌🏻 The camp was honoured to welcome special guests David Jeffrey MBE (SCL ambassador), Gerry Armstrong (former men’s Northern Ireland international), and @marissac_17 (former women’s Northern Ireland women’s captain), who each shared powerful messages of encouragement - to be the best you can be, to be proud of who you are and where you come from, and to always strive for the stars. 🌟 💡 After the guests presented medals to every participant, Mayor Gillian McCollum awarded special recognition awards to our selected boy & girl whose efforts throughout the week embodied respect, integrity, inclusivity and positivity. There was a special congratulations also to the overall winning team -France - who not only performed on the pitch, but collectively demonstrated the values that defined the week. 💙⚽️🫶🏻 Supported by @ClanmilHousing, Woven Housing Association, @arkhousing , @RadiusHousing. Further supported by the ‘Housing for All’ shared housing programme. 🙏🏻 Shoutout to @PSNIArdsNDown , who supported throughout the day, managed teams and fully engaged with the young people. And to St John Ambulance providing first aid support all week! 👏🏻👏🏻 Three days. 150 young people. One proud borough. A true collective effort to support our younger generation through sport, building confidence, connection and a genuine sense of belonging 👏 @TAMHI2011 Thanks for having us along. #sportchangeslife

⚽️ Day 2 of the @ANDborough Mayor’s Cup 2026 ⚽️ Another powerful day of football and learning as young people continued their journey through the carousel of activities, combining small-sided games, ball mastery, team building and mental health engagement @TAMHI2011, with meaningful educational workshops. Today’s workshop focus included: 🤝 Common Ground, delivered by the @IrishFA , encouraging young people to explore diversity and mutual respect across communities. 💬 Healthy & Safe Relationships – Part Two, delivered by @WomensAidNI , building on yesterday’s learning and reinforcing positive behaviours and awareness. We were proud to welcome @bangorfc and @ArdsFC1900 , with representation from both their men’s and women’s first teams. Their presence demonstrated a united voice from clubs across the borough, showing collaboration, respect and reinforcing the camp’s central theme of sense of belonging. Supported by @ClanmilHousing , Woven Housing Association, @arkhousing , @RadiusHousing . Further supported from the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. 🤝 Final day tomorrow with a few special guests and treats 👀⚽️🫶🏻

⚽️ Day 1 of the Ards and North Down Mayor’s Cup 2026 ⚽️ A fantastic start today at Ards Blair Mayne Leisure & Wellbeing Complex, with 150 young people from across the borough taking part in a full carousel of activities designed to develop both football skills and raise awareness on important topics 💡 Participants rotated through small-sided games (Stevie Rea Coaching), ball mastery sessions (Michael Halliday @bangorfc, Steven Cairnfuff @ArdsFC1900 ) , team-building challenges, wellbeing activities, alongside workshops on healthy relationships and personal development, reinforcing the camp’s core theme of sense of belonging. 🙏🏻🤝 We were delighted to be joined by men’s and women’s first team players from @OfficialBlues @LinfieldFCWomen and @Glentoran @GlentoranWomen_ , who dropped by to share words of wisdom & encouragement with all involved. Mayor Gillian McCollum herself dropped by, getting involved in the workshops, and kindly showed her support for this important initiative. 🏆 Supported by @ClanmilHousing , Woven Housing Association, @arkhousing , @RadiusHousing and @ANDborough, Further supported by the Housing for All Shared Houang Programme. Shoutout to delivery partners TAMHI, @WomensAidNI , for helping make Day 1 a success. Looking forward to the next 2 days 👏⚽️

Sport Changes Life is currently delivering Young Ambassador programme sessions in Movilla High School and Nendrum College as part of our ongoing work across Ards and North Down. These sessions continue to engage young people through structured sport-based activities alongside focused discussions on community safety, gang culture, risk-taking behaviours and good relations. Delivered in partnership with local neighbourhood policing teams in Newtownards and Comber, and funded by the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime (EPPOC), the programme provides a safe and supportive environment for learning and personal development. By using sport as a vehicle for education and engagement, the programme supports young people to build confidence, develop leadership skills and gain a greater understanding of their role as positive contributors within their school and wider community. #sportchangeslife

Sport Changes Life is delighted to be helping facilitate the Ards and North Down Mayor’s Cup 2026 next week. Read more below 👇🏼 ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/article/2755/A…

Last week we were privileged to be a part of Ulster University’s Employers Network Event, sitting with final-year students as they navigate their next steps upon graduation. @UlsterSchSport Alan from the team, spent time to help students understand the different pathways and opportunities available 🤝 A well run event, and thanks for having us.

Victory Scholar Jack Spellman was recently awarded a Performance Sport Scholarship from Ulster University, supported by Sport Changes Life & presented by co-founder Gareth. Recognition earned through consistency, commitment, and high performance. This achievement helps reflects what it means to be a Victory Scholar: showing up every day, demanding more of yourself, and pursuing excellence in both sport and education. Well done, Jack. Another step forward 👏🏻🏀

Sport Changes Life wishes all our partners, supporters, and communities a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year. Thank you for being part of our journey in 2025 —here’s to a successful 2026 together.

As we reflect on the year, everyone at Sport Changes Life would like to extend our warmest wishes to all those connected to the foundation.❤️🤝 To our participants, supporters, funders, partners, volunteers, and the wider community, thank you for your continued trust, commitment, and belief in our mission. Your support enables us to keep raising aspirations through sport.🫶🏻 We wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and successful New Year. 🎄🥂