Derby day to deliver hat-trick of hope

A North East footballing rivalry is being turned into a force for good.

As Sunderland AFC welcome Newcastle United to the Stadium of Light this weekend, fans are being encouraged to donate to help fund free sports sessions and holiday activities for children across the region. 

Through the Together Through Sport campaign, every donation made around derby day will have triple the impact.

Contributions from supporters will be doubled by North East mayor Kim McGuinness’s Region of Sport fund, up to £50,000, and matched in kind by the region’s sporting foundations to offer three times as many free sessions and holiday camp places for children who might otherwise miss out on sport.

The campaign forms part of a year-long fundraising effort aimed at tackling barriers to physical activity, at a time when one in four children in the region miss out on sport due to cost and only half get enough daily exercise for good health.

Funds raised will support free school-based sports sessions and holiday programmes, creating safe and inclusive spaces where children can build confidence, stay active and feel part of their community.

Mayor McGuinness said: “The Wear-Tyne clash is a huge day for our region but it’s also a brilliant opportunity to bring together the fans and clubs to support local kids. 

“Through our Region of Sport, we want every child to have access to sport and the opportunities it brings.   

“While the country is watching, we have a unique opportunity to make a difference to children growing up in this region. 

“Our sports foundations are uniting with us, and showing what shared passion in the North East can really achieve.” 

Partners backing the initiative include the Foundation of Light, Newcastle United Foundation, Durham Cricket Foundation, Eagles Community Foundation, Newcastle Rugby Foundation and the North East Housing Partnership (NEHP).

Lesley Spuhler, chief executive of the Foundation of Light, Sunderland AFC’s official charity, added: “Children everywhere deserve the chance to feel what sport can truly offer – confidence, belonging, and the kind of opportunities that can transform their lives.” 

Steve Beharall, chief executive of the Newcastle United Foundation Chief Executive, added: “We see every day the positive impact sport creates for young people – from the benefits of physical activity, to improving confidence and social skills to raising aspirations for a brighter future here in the North East. 

“No child should miss out on the joy of sport and with support from our communities through this campaign, we can provide more young people with opportunities to play, learn and grow together.” 

Louise Bassett, a member of NEHP and chief Executive at Sunderland-headquartered housing association Gentoo, added: “Within the NEHP, we want to invest in our communities in ways that go far beyond bricks and mortar. 

“This is such a unique partnership and a campaign that will make a real difference to children in the region.  

“No child should be left on the sidelines and by working together we can give more children the chance to play, grow, and thrive through sport.” 

Fans, mascots, players and supporters will stand shoulder to shoulder for a cause that matters well beyond the final whistle, with the opportunity to donate by texting TOGETHERFIVE to 70085 to donate £5 or visiting www.justgiving.com/campaign/sport to give online.

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