Niall Quinn backs campaign to tackle North East child poverty

The campaign, Together Through Sport, aims to ensure every child can play, grow and thrive through access to sporting opportunities.

Mr Quinn said: “Sport should be for every child, not just the lucky few.

“Together Through Sport is helping ensure no child is left on the sidelines.

“By supporting the campaign, you can help provide opportunities that make a real difference to young people and families across our region.”

The campaign brings together major sporting foundations and organisations across the North East, including the Foundation of Light, Newcastle United Foundation, Durham Cricket Foundation, Eagles Community Foundation and Newcastle Rugby Foundation.

Together, they aim to remove barriers that prevent young people from taking part in sport and physical activity.

Funds raised will go towards free and subsidised holiday activities, community sports sessions for children and young people, school-based opportunities to get active, access to safe, inclusive and welcoming environments, and support for families facing financial barriers to participation.

The campaign also forms part of a wider ambition to establish the North East as the UK’s first Region of Sport, harnessing the power of clubs, charities and community organisations to create healthier, happier and more connected communities.

People can support the campaign by texting TOGETHERFIVE to 70085 to donate £5, plus one standard network rate message, or by donating online through the campaign’s JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/sport.