Retired Irish League footballers Jeff Hughes, David McDaid and Johnny McMurry have begun delivering football coaching sessions at Holywell Hospital. The 12-week programme targets mental health inpatients and receives support from Charitable Trust Funds.

The sessions provide patients with physical exercise, opportunities for social connections and activities to build resilience. All three coaches hold full qualifications.

Jeff Hughes represented Northern Ireland internationally and played for Larne along with English clubs. David McDaid appeared for Glenavon, Coleraine, Cliftonville, Larne and Ballymena. Johnny McMurry played for Ballymena, Cliftonville, Larne and Warrenpoint Town.

Ashleigh Moss, Head of Mental Health Inpatient Services at Holywell, stated that football playing boosts serotonin levels to improve mental health. She added that it reduces anxiety, stress and social isolation.

Moss credited Charitable Trust Funds for enabling the programme and thanked contributors for their support.

After the initial session, Hughes said football unites people and creates a space where participants feel valued and empowered. He emphasised his commitment to mental health initiatives to challenge stigma, especially among men, and encourage open sharing of feelings. Hughes reported positive feedback from the first session.