Sunderland AFC legend Niall Quinn backs campaign to ensure "no child is left on the side-lines"
All the region’s major sporting foundations are involved in the campaign
Sunderland AFC legend Niall Quinn has called on people across the North East to get behind the Together Through Sport campaign.
Together Through Sport is bringing together the region’s leading sports foundations and community organisations to tackle child poverty and help ensure every child has the opportunity to play, grow and thrive through sport.
The campaign unites organisations including Foundation of Light, Newcastle United Foundation, Durham Cricket Foundation, Eagles Community Foundation and Newcastle Rugby Foundation, working together to remove the barriers preventing young people from accessing sport and physical activity.
With the mantra ‘no child should be left on the side-lines’, the initiative was launched in December at the Beacon of Light, home of Sunderland AFC’s official charity, the Foundation of Light.
Niall, who made over 200 appearances for the club before returning as chairman, said: “Sport should be for every child, not just the lucky few. Together Through Sport is helping ensure no child is left on the side-lines.
“By supporting the campaign, you can help provide opportunities that make a real difference to young people and families across our region.”
The launch event saw hundreds of children take part in a range of sporting activities provided by the Foundation of Light, Newcastle United Foundation, Durham Cricket Foundation, Eagles Community Foundation, and Newcastle Rugby Foundation.
Lesley Spuhler, Foundation of Light Chief Executive, said: “Sport has the power to change lives, and by joining forces across the North East we can make sure every child has the chance to experience that.
“Together Through Sport is about breaking down barriers and opening up opportunities, ensuring no young person is left watching from the side-lines.”
The initiative is raising money to ensure sports are accessible to all children including providing free and subsidised holiday activities, community sports sessions for children and young people, and school-based opportunities to get active.
Funding will also provide direct support for families facing financial barriers to participation.
To support the campaign text TOGETHERFIVE to 70085 to donate £5 (texts cost £5 plus one standard network rate message) or donate online by visiting the initiative’s JustGiving page.