Youth Zone welcomes New Balance Foundation as new Founder Patron

Support for Warrington Youth Zone continues to grow with New Balance Foundation joining as its latest Founder Patron. 

The Youth Zone officially opened its doors on the 2nd July 2022 with over 1000 young people signing up as members before visiting, thanks to a range of pre-opening activities and community days. Six months on the Youth Zone boasts 7010 members with a total of 35,732 visits. 

Warrington Youth Zone supplies young people aged 7-19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, with facilities such as a football pitch on the roof, podcast suite, climbing wall, boxing ring, fully equipped gym, with over 20 activities every night, helping to keep them healthy and active. Young people pay just £5 per year to become a member and then 50p every time they visit, the on-site café provides hot meals for £1.  

Warrington Youth Zone is being made possible thanks to a partnership between Warrington Council, young people and local businesses such as New Balance Foundation and philanthropists, who become part of the Youth Zone’s Founder Patrons family and contribute to its annual running costs.  

The Youth Zone was delivered by the national charity OnSide, who have created a network of Youth Zones across the country, providing local young people with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to. 

Since 1981, New Balance Foundation has invested in research, and clinical, educational and community programmes that promote healthy lifestyles, children’s fitness and nutrition, and overall community wellness worldwide. New Balance Foundation is the charitable giving arm of New Balance the Boston-based global business, specialising in sportswear and athletics wear, who have their European HQ in Warrington.  

“New Balance Foundation is proud to grant 100,000 pounds and become a Founder Patron of Warrington Youth Zone. A collaboration with the Youth Zone is mission-aligned and furthers our commitment to  empowering young people and championing the future success of today’s youth,” says Molly Santry, Director of New Balance Foundation. 

Dave McNicholl, Chief Executive of Warrington Youth Zone said: “We are delighted to welcome New Balance Foundation into our ever-growing Founder Patron family. New Balance Foundation does amazing work worldwide, helping local communities. We are extremely grateful that New Balance Foundation has chosen to support the Youth Zone, it is a great show of support for the town’s young people.” 

WYZ Ltd has received a grant from New Balance Foundation for International Giving; an ImpactAssets Donor Advised Fund, in partnership with Globalgiving.