August 12, 2020

Intersport Elverys & Irish Youth Foundation Charity Partnership

Intersport Elverys and the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF) has committed to leveling the playing field for young people born into disadvantage and their peers, by closing the dangerous gulf between poverty and opportunity and is today announcing a six figure Charity Partnership and awareness campaign.

The funds raised through the €5 donation from every Irish Rugby jersey sold and through player and fan support, were channeled directly to proven and effective youth organisations on the frontline around Ireland and will positively impact 8,000 children. It will directly support evidence based and dynamic programmes that deliver measurable results.

Research shows that the majority of youth workers and professionals believe that the prospects for Ireland’s most vulnerable children and young people have greatly worsened as a result of Covid-19, exacerbated with the inevitability of a tough follow-on recession. Many see the pandemic as the worst crisis for Ireland’s most vulnerable young people.

In a survey of over 700 youth groups, after-school clubs and sports clubs across the country, 50% of youth workers and professionals say that the pandemic’s long-term impact on the physical and mental health of young people is a major concern. Nearly 47% say that falling behind with studies and exam stress is the biggest issue, and over 21% are worried that young people may not get back into education or a normal routine. These stark concerns are mirrored by young people themselves

Lucy Masterson, CEO of the IYF said “We are extremely concerned from this snapshot that the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown has seriously damaged the lives and prospects of the country’s most marginalised young. The stakes are as high as they could be for many young people. Their education prospects hang in the balance. Their wellbeing and mental health has taken a battering. As the country rebuilds, no child’s future should hang in the balance because of this virus or a lack of support. If our children aren’t rebuilt, the country isn’t either. The gift of INTERSPORT Elverys visionary support could not have come at a better time for these children.”

Anne-Marie Hanly, Marketing Manager said the company’s aim is “to make a real difference by tapping into the power of sport and through the involvement of players and fans, and the association of the INTERSPORT Elverys brand, to help raise awareness as well as vital funds for the activities supported by the Irish Youth Foundation.”

INTERSPORT Elverys will look to support the charity with a six-figure donation as well as a schedule of rights and support to help raise more money, to fund more projects, to help more young people. For more information on the Irish Youth Foundation, visit www.iyf.ie.

Get your new Irish Rugby kit at Intersport Elverys HERE now or in-store (when they reopen).