Youth mental health charity Jigsaw have been chosen by Galway United as the club’s charity partner for the 2021 season.
Jigsaw is a charity of volunteers and mental health professionals which aims to strengthen mental health support within communities, deliver accessible services to support young people, and create an environment where every young person’s mental wellbeing is treated as importantly as their physical health.
The charity offers advice and a wide range of in person and online mental health support services for people aged from 12 to 25 years old in Galway and throughout Ireland.
Jigsaw Fundraising Manager, Justin McDermott said that they were “delighted to be launching this partnership” with Galway United, saying that it provides them both an opportunity to highlight the supports and services available in the local community.
“It also will enable us to engage with Galway United first team players, academy players, coaching staff, supporters and the wider soccer community in Galway, on the role they play in supporting the mental health of the young people in their lives. Young people need all our help, now more than ever.”
As part of the partnership Galway United FC will be making a donation to Jigsaw, as well as working with Jigsaw on various fundraising for the charity.
To start with, all proceeds from sales of Galway United’s match day programmes will go directly to Jigsaw.
A series of initiatives are planned over the coming year as part of the collaboration, to help players, management, coaches and schools, with specific events and initiatives to be announced in the days ahead.
Johnny Glynn, Head of the Galway United Academy added that “young people need to look after their mental health and the service that Jigsaw provides is invaluable.”
“I am delighted to see a partnership like this, to spread awareness and help those who may be struggling.”
Board member of the club Rosemary Killilea said that they were highly impressed by the charity’s work throughout the country, and wanted to form an effective partnership with them.
“Physical activity like football is great for mental health and this partnership with Jigsaw will help highlight the resources out there for those in the Galway football community and beyond.”
Speaking at the launch Galway United’s 1st Team, captain Conor McCormack said that he was honoured to have been chosen as the ambassador for this partnership.
“Mental health is so important in modern society, with young people going through so much at the moment, particularly with the difficulties of Covid-19 and how it has affected everyone’s daily lives. I want people to know there is help and support out there and that they can reach out.”
