IFA introduces Mencap as charity partner

Friday 25 July 2008

The Irish Football Association has announced its 'Going for Goal'
official charity partners for the next two years. Three charities with
a strong reputation for 'grassroots' work with disadvantaged and
vulnerable people in all communities across Northern Ireland will
partner the IFA during the 2010 World Cup Campaign.

The IFA's charity partners are Mencap, Positive Futures and The Prince's
Trust. The Prince's Trust helps young people who most need help to
overcome barriers and get their lives working. Positive Futures and
Mencap both support people with a learning disability and their
families.

Announcing the partnership, the IFA's Head of Marketing and
Communications, Geoff Wilson said: "Our three official charity partners
took part in a demanding selection process. Like the Irish FA they have
a huge commitment to work at community level and we were convinced that
they are the perfect partners for football in Northern Ireland. We hope
all Northern Ireland supporters and Supporters Clubs will get behind
these fantastic charities."

The IFA and its sponsors will be backing its 'Going for Goal' charities
with a range of fundraising and publicity initiatives. The charities
will have the opportunity to make the public more aware of their work,
carry out collections at all Northern Ireland home international games
and organise other fundraising initiatives.

Fans and Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs can find out more about the
IFA's partnership with Positive Futures, The Prince's Trust and Mencap
at www.irishfa.com/the-ifa/going-for-goal/  or on the charities' websites.