Sport Northern Ireland: Creating Opportunities has provided £5,000 of match funding
Middletown GAA - Over 40's Get Active programme
Armagh, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, United Kingdom
Aim
Our aim is to help adults aged 40+ within our community get active. Join us to move more, feel better, and enjoy physical activity.
Who are we?
We are a GAA club based in Middletown, Co. Armagh, committed to promoting Gaelic games and supporting health, wellbeing, fitness, and social connection within our community.
Our club organises, promotes, and competes in Gaelic games and community activities for everyone regardless of gender, background, or ability across Middletown and the surrounding rural areas.
Driven by a strong volunteer ethos, we strive to strengthen community spirit, build trust, and create a sense of belonging for all. We aim to improve physical and mental wellbeing, boost confidence in who we are and where we come from, and encourage participation in sport and community life.
Our Club is at the heart of our community and our facilities are widely used by local groups, making them a hub for connection and activity.
Why are we crowdfunding?
This February and March, we are launching a brand new programme aimed at encouraging adults aged 40 and over in our community to become more physically active while supporting their health, wellbeing, and social connection. To deliver this programme safely and effectively, and to establish it as a regular part of our club calendar, we need to invest in essential equipment tailored specifically to the needs of this age group.
Through this initiative, participants will enjoy:
- Fun, accessible physical activity sessions
- Guidance on healthy eating
- Tips for improving mobility and flexibility
- Support for overall health and wellbeing
While we have hosted successful events like Mothers and Others and Dads and Lads, this age group has never been a primary focus for our club. Our target audience includes newcomers to the community, parents of current players, former players and those already volunteering.
Why does this matter?
Positive role models are vital for young people, and research shows that when parents, guardians and family members stay active, the next generation is far more likely to do the same. However, adults aged 40 and above are significantly less likely to take part in regular physical activity, often due to busy lifestyles, reduced confidence, previous injuries, or feeling that club based sport is “not for them” anymore.
This is a crucial life stage where activity levels typically decline, yet the benefits of staying active become increasingly important. Regular physical activity in mid‑life reduces the risk of long term health conditions, supports healthy ageing, maintains mobility and strengthens mental wellbeing. By focusing specifically on adults aged 40+, we are prioritising a group that often needs encouragement, tailored support, and a welcoming entry point back into activity.
How we will encourage participation
We are committed to creating an environment that genuinely meets the needs of this age group. Our programme will:
- Offer low‑impact, scalable exercises suitable for all fitness levels
- Provide a non‑competitive, friendly and supportive atmosphere
- Include education sessions on healthy eating, recovery, mobility and wellbeing
- Allow participants to progress at their own pace with experienced coaches
- Prioritise social connection through group‑based, enjoyable and inclusive sessions
By removing barriers and focusing on enjoyment, safety and confidence building, we aim to engage people who may never have been involved with the club before as well as those who want to reconnect with physical activity.
Why staying active at 40+ is so important
From the age of 40, natural changes in muscle mass, cardiovascular fitness, mobility and balance begin to occur. Regular exercise at this stage of life can help to:
- Reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions
- Improve bone density and reduce the risk of injury
- Boost energy levels, sleep quality and overall mood
- Strengthen mental resilience and reduce anxiety
- Support healthy ageing and maintain independence for longer
Encouraging regular physical activity in adults aged 40 and above not only enhances individual wellbeing but also strengthens community health and family life for years to come.
Community impact
This initiative will deliver significant benefits by promoting health, wellbeing and social connection among adults aged 40 and above, a group often overlooked in traditional sports programmes. By offering a welcoming and supportive environment, we will help participants reintroduce physical activity into their lives while improving both physical and mental health. Regular exercise is known to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, increase energy levels, and improve overall quality of life, while also reducing loneliness and isolation.
Beyond the physical benefits, this programme brings people together newcomers, parents, former players and volunteers. It helps build friendships, community connections and renewed confidence. Active adults also become strong role models, inspiring their children and others within the community to stay engaged in sport.
The educational elements on nutrition, mobility, recovery and wellbeing will provide participants with practical knowledge and lifelong skills to maintain healthier lifestyles beyond the six‑week programme.
Finally, the project will strengthen our club and wider rural community by attracting new members, volunteers and families. It reinforces the club’s role as a central hub for health, social connection and community engagement. With Sport NI’s match funding, this project offers a unique opportunity to create a healthier, more active and more connected community in Middletown.
Why is this equipment needed?
The equipment we are seeking is essential to safely and effectively deliver our six‑week Get Active programme for adults aged 40 and over. Each weekly session lasts 60 minutes and is designed around low‑impact, scalable exercises that improve strength, mobility, cardiovascular health and overall confidence.
This age group benefits greatly from adaptable equipment that caters for varying levels of fitness and mobility. Each item plays a key role:
- Cardio machines such as the SkiErg, BikeErg and Assault Bike provide joint‑friendly aerobic training suitable for beginners through to more active participants.
- Strength‑based equipment including dumbbells, barbells, trap bars, weighted plates, medicine balls, resistance bands, benches and weighted bags enables us to deliver structured strength circuits that help maintain muscle mass, support bone health and improve functional movement for everyday life.
Together, this equipment allows us to deliver safe, varied and engaging sessions that meet the needs of adults aged 40+, ensuring that everyone can progress comfortably at their own pace in a supportive and inclusive environment.
How we’ll spend the money raised
All money raised will go towards our new project. Sport NI’s match funding will double every pound we raise up to a maximum of £5,000. This means your support will go twice as far in helping us create this exciting new programme. Please consider donating and supporting our mission to get more people physically active and connected within our community.
All funds raised will go towards the following:
- Instructor fees = 6 x 50 = £300
- Ski Erg x 2 = £1750
- Concept 2 Bike erg x 2 = £2500
- Assault bike x 2 = £1500
- Medicine balls = £100
- Weighted bags = £100
- Barbells = £200
- Weighted plates = £300
- Benches = £600
- Resistance bands = £50
- Dumbbells = £2250
- Trap bar = £350
Total Cost: £10,000
Your support is an investment in people, health and community. By backing this project, you are helping us create a welcoming space where adults aged 40 and above can rediscover the joy of physical activity, improve their wellbeing and build lasting connections. Every donation brings us closer to creating a healthier, more connected community.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
This project successfully funded on 24th February 2026