Northern Ireland schools encouraged to sign up for teamwear brand's financial support programme
A leading teamwear brand based in Derry / Londonderry has launched a financial support programme for all schools across Northern Ireland to help families facing cost-of-living pressures.
MFC Sports’s Immediate Support Programme is now rolling out to all schools following a successful pilot phase.
The programme provides schools with practical financial support for pupils and families experiencing hardship.
Participating schools receive an immediate credit allocation based on enrolment, set at £1.70 per pupil, which can be used towards PE kits, leisurewear and sports clothing for both pupils and staff.
Seán O’Neill, founder of MFC Sports, said: “Schools are increasingly aware of the financial pressures facing families and the impact that the cost of PE kits and other clothing items can have on participation in school sport and physical education.
"Following the positive response from schools involved in the pilot phase, we have decided to extend the initiative to all schools across the north.
"The MFC Immediate Support Programme has been developed to provide practical support that can be directed towards pupils and families who need it most.
"For example, a school with 600 pupils would receive £1,020 in immediate support funding, which can be used by the school to help provide PE kits and sportswear for pupils who might otherwise struggle to access them.”
The scheme’s expansion comes at a time when the cost of school uniforms and PE kits continues to present challenges for many families.
The Department of Education has introduced statutory school uniform guidelines that place affordability at the centre of school policy in Northern Ireland. Schools are required to minimise branded items and prioritise generic PE kit options where possible. The legislation is intended to ensure that uniform costs do not become a barrier to full participation in school life.
In addition to the immediate support package, participating schools can access a two-year partnership arrangement with MFC Sports that generates 15 per cent credit on qualifying annual expenditure. This credit can be reinvested into further support for families, as well as teamwear, staff wear and sports equipment.
To encourage participation ahead of the new academic year, MFC Sports is offering an incentive for schools registering their interest before June 30, 2026. Schools that subsequently enrol will receive a £250 contribution towards an MFC Sports team kit, with the early registration period allowing schools time to review the initiative and discuss their requirements with the MFC education team.
Schools can register their interest by emailing [email protected] or by calling 07734 973806.