Colleagues from Marks & Spencer stores across Northern Ireland came together for a five-a-side football tournament in support of youth mental health charity YoungMinds.
More than 80 colleagues from eleven M&S stores took part in the tournament, which was held at Queen’s University Malone Playing Fields on Saturday 6 June. Colleagues competed throughout the day in a series of matches, while some colleagues also volunteered their time as referees, organisers and supporters to help deliver the successful event.
Funds have been raised through team entry fees alongside generous donations from customers and fellow colleagues, with donations continuing to be encouraged throughout June as part of the M&S Big Fun-Raiser campaign. The money raised will help YoungMinds continue providing vital support for young people, parents and carers including through their Parents Helpline and online resources.
The football tournament formed part of the M&S Big Fun-Raiser – a nationwide campaign which encourages M&S colleagues to go ‘big’ and have fun with their fundraising efforts throughout June in support of young people’s mental health.
Running from 4-13 June 2026, the Big Fun-raiser will see colleagues take on their own ‘Together We’ve Got This’ challenge. Stores nationwide will support through local fundraising activity, with customers able to donate at tills.
Since launching in October 2023, M&S has raised over £6.6million for charity partner YoungMinds and is now aiming to reach £7million to help fund the charity’s work, ensuring more young people and families get the support they need.
Team Lisburn were crowned tournament winners after a 4–2 win against Team Malone, taking home the trophy following a strong run of performances throughout the competition. The winners were Reece Manners, Ben McShane, Benjamin Moorhead, Joel Collins, Paul McFadden, Cameron Sutherland, Josh Smyth and Dylan Moore.
The event was organised by M&S Boucher Road Store Manager James McHenry and M&S Newry Store Manager Melanie Madden, who volunteered their time to coordinate the tournament logistics and fundraising activity.
Talking about the success of the event, M&S Boucher Road Store Manager, James McHenry said: “This tournament was about much more than football – it was about colleagues from across Northern Ireland coming together to support young people’s mental health and make a genuine difference. The atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic, with great energy, teamwork and support from everyone involved. We’re incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and generosity shown by colleagues and customers in support of YoungMinds, and we’re encouraging people to continue getting behind the campaign throughout June. Every donation will help support young people who may be struggling and ensure they can access the advice and support they need when it matters most.”
Newry Store Manager, Melanie Madden added: “The response from colleagues and customers has been incredible. People gave up their own time to play, referee, organise and donate, and that level of support really shows what can be achieved when people come together. Young people’s mental health is such an important issue, and it’s rewarding to know that the money raised through this event will contribute towards services that provide real help and support to young people and their families.”
Kiran Ramchandani, Interim Director of Policy and Communications at YoungMinds, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the event. Their fundraising efforts will help support our work including our parents helpline, so we can be there for parents and carers and the young people in their lives, at a time when more young people than ever are struggling with their mental health.”
To learn more about the event or to donate, visit thebigfunraiser.com.
