Atlas Foundation Ireland

Atlas Ireland was founded by Rugby Champion, and former British and Irish Lions player, Shane Byrne, with the goal to use rugby as a tool for peace, reconciliaton, and social inclusion across Ireland.

Shane has seen first hand how rugby can unfify people from North and South Ireland, regardless of religions or culture. The spirit and values of rugby overcomes these obstacles and brings people together. Atlas Ireland particulary focuses on social inclusion of marginalised young people, partnering with International Mixed Ability Sports to run Mixed Abilty Rugby sessions for children who may be recovering from trauma, have physical disabilities, life-limiting illnesses or mental health problems. These inclusive rugby sessions give young people a safe environment where they can flourish.

In the UK, Atlas are helping young people with similar challenges through our new project, TackleLondon. TackleLondon works in schools and rugby clubs in London to support young people with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as neglect, abuse, or poverty. Just like Atlas Ireland, rugby is used to give young people a safe and inclusive environment, where they can form trusted and reliable relationships that give them the support they need to overcome any difficulties. These relationships are key to countering the negative consequences of ACEs, giving young people a path to a better future.

Your support makes a big impact on marginalised young people, please donate today to help us transform more young lives.

Atlas Ireland aims to use the values of rugby - discipline, tolerance, and respect - to promote peace and social incluson across Ireland. Led by Atlas rugby Champion, Shane Byrne, Atlas Ireland is partnered with International Mixed Ability Sports to offer marginalised young people a safe space where they feel valued and empowered. Through mixed ability rugby sessions, young people experiencing trauma, or mental health challenges, have access to an inclusive and fun envrironment that breaks down barriers and stigma, creating long lasting, supportive relationships.

Atlas Ireland is part of a larger Atlas community, spanning projects across the globe, from America, Africa, and Asia. In the UK, we have recently partnered with star* scheme and The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation to launch our new project, TackleLondon. TackleLondon is built of the same values as Atlas Ireland, and aims to give young people facing trauma, neglect, abuse, or mental health difficulties, a safe, inclusive rugby family. Working with schools and grassroots rugby clubs, young people are given consistent support and access to trusting relationships with coaches and teammates, which are crucial to overcoming the negative consequences that are sadly common following experiences of trauma or neglect. Find out more about TackleLondon, or our other projects, on our social media @theatlascharity.

Thank you for your continued support, with your help we can make a transformative impact on some of the most disadvantaged young people in Ireland and across the world.