Sport Changes Life

Raising the aspirations of young people on both sides of the Atlantic through sport. Explore Sport Changes Life in the link below 👇🏼

[Sport Changes Life @Sportchanges]

⛳ Save the Date – SCL Golf Day ⛳

We’re delighted to announce the return of the Sport Changes Life Charity Golf Day for 2026!

📅 Friday 18th September 2026
📍 Malone Golf Club, Belfast

Following another fantastic year, we’re proud to once again be supported by our headline sponsor, Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge & Spice Group.

Expect a day of great golf, networking with colleagues and friends of the foundation , and meaningful impact as we continue raising aspirations through sport. 💙

To hear more and see how to get involved, please email [email protected]

More details to follow… ⛳️

#SportChangesLife #CharityGolfDay #SaveTheDate #Golf #NuDelhi #RaisingAspirations

[Sport Changes Life @Sportchanges]

This morning at Olympia Leisure Centre and Spa, the team facilitated a unique Belfast SEN Festival of Sport, in collaboration with the Belfast Special Schools Business Education Partnership (BSSBEP). 🤝

We were delighted to bring together pupils from Harberton School, Cedar Lodge School, St. Gerard’s Special School and Rosstulla School for a morning centred on sport, teamwork and personal development.The event provided a fun, inclusive environment where young people could build confidence, enhance communication skills and experience a range of new sporting activities.

Beyond the physical activity, the morning created meaningful opportunities for pupils to connect with peers from different schools, fostering new friendships among those who share similar experiences. The enthusiasm, positivity and engagement on display throughout the morning was a testament to the importance of inclusive initiatives such as this. 🙌🏻

A special thank you to the wonderful team at the Kingsbridge Foundation, who supported the event and get behind many worthy community causes. 👏🏻

A sincere thanks to all schools, partners and participants who contributed to making it such a fun morning.

We look forward to building on today and continuing to create further inclusive opportunities for young people. 🫶🏻

[Sport Changes Life @Sportchanges]

A huge congratulations to the Ulster University Men’s College Basketball Team who were recognised at last nights UU #Colours2026 awards - as Ulster University Team of the Year Belfast Campus at Titanic Belfast.

This recognition comes following a great season which saw the team crowned both Irish Varsity Division B Winners and Irish Colleges Division 2 Winners — a fantastic achievement by the squad throughout the year. 🏀🏆

Special congratulations also to Kingsbridge Foundation Victory Scholar Jack Spellman and his teammates on well-deserved recognition. Jack also picked up MVP during this years varsity tournament, and it was nice that his father was in attendance last night to celebrate with him👏🏻👏🏻

@ulsteruni_sport
@ulsterunibball

[Sport Changes Life @Sportchanges]

A fantastic morning spent at another Boccia Tournament held at the West Armagh Consortium Building with the The Westenders group. 🔥

Supported by @arkhousing through the Shared Housing Programme, the session gave group members the opportunity to come together, enjoy each other’s company and try a new sport with plenty of competitive fun along the way.

The atmosphere throughout the morning was brilliant, with high spirits, lots of laughter and great engagement from everyone involved. It was equally enjoyable for staff (Alan & Mac) to see people encouraging one another and everyone simply having a good time! 🫶🏻🤝

Sessions like these highlight how important it can be to create opportunities for people to get out, stay active and remain physically, mentally and socially connected. Sometimes it’s the simple activities and shared experiences that can have the biggest impact on wellbeing and community connection.

A really enjoyable morning all round 👏

[Sport Changes Life @Sportchanges]

😃👏🏻

[Sport Changes Life @Sportchanges]

Today marked a fantastic celebration at the latest Honour Roll Primary School Festival held at the Hammer Youth Club. 🏆

Over the past 8 weeks, p7 pupils from Edenbrooke Primary Schooll, Forth River Primary School and Holy Cross Boys' Primary School have participated and come together through the Honour Roll programme, building friendships, developing new skills and embracing the values of teamwork, inclusion and good relations. 🤩

The festival was a brilliant way to finish the programme, with all schools taking part in a fun-filled carousel of activities and workshops, creating plenty of energy, laughter and memories as they start thinking about big school.

The project was initiated and supported by @ClanmilHousing  and further supported by the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. A special thanks to Lauren and Ashleigh in particular from Clanmil Housing. 🙏🏻

Initiatives like this play such an important role in encouraging young people to become more active, experience new sports, build healthy relationships and develop a stronger understanding of good relations within our communities.

An excellent day and a brilliant example of young people learning, growing and celebrating together. 👏

[Sport Changes Life @Sportchanges]

𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 | 𝟮𝟱/𝟮𝟲 | 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 | 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗺𝗮𝗻

‘Out of Adversity – I Have Found A Second Home”

Stevens Institute of Technology alum Jack Spellman talks about overcoming injury setbacks to embracing new opportunities, Jack shares a powerful reflection on resilience and growth, and sharing his journey in Belfast to date 🏀💪

Supported by @kingsbridgehosp Foundation

Read more below 👇🏼

https://t.co/fDiBxDJUkE

[Sport Changes Life @Sportchanges]

Sport Changes Life was delighted to host celebration events yesterday morning at Nendrum College, Comber and Movilla High Schooll, Newtownards, recognising the achievements of participants involved in the Young Ambassadors programme, supported by EPPOC.

The programme, delivered in partnership with local neighbourhood policing teams, has engaged pupils aged 11–14 in a team-building and multi-sport led personal development journey, combining physical activity with educational workshops focused on community safety, risk-taking behaviours and building positive relationships within their communities. 💪🏻

The Newtownards Neighbourhood Policing Team particularly highlighted the importance of collaboration in creating opportunities for young people, using alternative education through sport to promote inclusion, diversity and respect, while supporting participants to develop as role models and ambassadors in their local areas. 🙌🏻

The celebration events recognised the commitment and progress of all participants, with pupils receiving certificates and Sport Changes Life t-shirts in acknowledgment of their involvement throughout the programme. 👕 👏🏻

We extend a sincere thank you to both schools, their dedicated teachers, and the team from @PSNIArdsNDown for their weekly involvement and collaboration in delivering this impactful initiative.

[Sport Changes Life @Sportchanges]

🏃🏻‍♂️THANK YOU #TeamSCL 💛🩷

A huge thank you to our 5 runners — Paul Martin (Mammoth Design), William Wilson (WW Chartered Accountants), Lynda Brudenell (Forge Physiotherapy), Gareth Brown (Ambassador), and Alan Teggart (SCL CEO), for taking the time and running the London Landmarks Half Marathon yesterday! A great experience!

Thank you also to everyone who donated, shared, and supported the team. Together, you have helped raise over £4,000 so far for Sport Changes Life’s work across our communities.

🔗 https://t.co/Wb53ckGu0K

Thank you for being part of it. 🏃‍♂️✨

London Landmarks Half Marathon #LLHM2026

[Sport Changes Life @Sportchanges]

Through support from The Executive Office Central Good Relations Fund, Sport Changes Life has been delivering a series of sport-led intervention initiatives over the last 9 months across Belfast, Armagh, Lisburn and Newtownabbey, aimed at strengthening community connections and promoting positive engagement. 🙏🏻

This week, we were proud to celebrate the achievements of our Belfast eHoops group, delivered in partnership with Impact Training and Workforce Training. Over the past 16 weeks, participants from different backgrounds have come together through sport, building relationships, exploring cultural differences, and developing mutual understanding in an inclusive and supportive environment. 🤝

The programme concluded with a celebration event at The Chester Restaurant, where participants were recognised for their commitment and success in achieving an OCN Level 1 in Good Relations, alongside their overall engagement in the initiative.

Continued support from The Executive Office CGRG plays a vital role in helping us to break down barriers, foster respect, and improve community relations through power of sport. 🫶🏻

@ExecOfficeNI

#sportchangeslife #tbuc #goodrelations

[Sport Changes Life @Sportchanges]

Sport Changes Life recently facilitated an intergenerational event on behalf of support from Belfast City Council’s Health Development Unit, with pupils from Ashfield Boys High School, Mitchell House School and local residents from East Belfast.

This event was designed to promote a positive experience towards physical activity within an inclusive environment, also ensuring that individuals with disabilities could participate fully with those from the wider community. Taking place at Inverary Community Centre, the morning included an intergenerational boccia tournament, which brought together participants of all ages, encouraging new connections and shared experiences through sport.

The event concluded with lunch and a presentation of medals and trophies, recognising the enthusiasm, effort, and achievements.

Initiatives such as this demonstrate the powerful role sport can play as a platform for inclusion, wellbeing, and community engagement, helping to break down barriers while encouraging active lifestyles for all.

Thankful to support and help deliver 🙏🏻🫶🏻

[Sport Changes Life @Sportchanges]

𝙇𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙣 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙢𝙖𝙧��𝙨 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:
🔗 https://t.co/Wb53ckGu0K

[Sport Changes Life @Sportchanges]

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.

👇🏼 👇🏼

[Sport Changes Life @Sportchanges]

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 [email protected] 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 👇🏼
https://t.co/bRuUgQ00WL

[Sport Changes Life @Sportchanges]

🏃‍♂️ 𝙈𝙚𝙚𝙩 #𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙎𝘾𝙇 – 𝙂𝙖𝙧��𝙩𝙝 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 🏃‍♂️ 𝟏 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙤 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙤���� 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:
🔗 https://t.co/9CrQxVIkxK

1 month to go… let’s do this! 🏃‍♂️💪🏻

[Sport Changes Life @Sportchanges]

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