247 Group launches £100,000 fund for young athletes in the North East

247 Group has pledged £100,000 to launch the 247 Young Athletes Fund across the North East. The money will be given out between now and the end of 2027, primarily through local sports clubs, to help cover the cost of equipment, training and competing.

The aim is simple. No young person in the region should be held back by what sport costs. Talent is spread evenly across the North East. The opportunity to develop it isn’t.

For us, local boxing gyms are a natural place to start, but the fund is open to clubs in any sport across the region.

Why it matters to us

This one is personal. Our founder, Jordan Thexton, has boxed since he was six years old and still trains in his spare time. He competed in amateur events throughout his childhood and teenage years, and boxing runs through his family.

He has seen first-hand what sport gives a young person beyond the ring or the pitch: the commitment to turn up, the drive to keep improving, and the strength to deal with whatever life throws at them.

Boxing has been part of my life since I was six. It taught me discipline and determination long before I went into business. Every young athlete in the North East deserves the chance to find out how far their talent can take them, and this fund is about making sure nothing stands in their way.

How the fund works

We’ll give the money out gradually, starting in December, wherever it can do the most good. The majority will go directly to clubs, to cover the costs that hold them back.

Support for individuals. If a club has a young athlete who needs help to take the next step, whether that’s their first competition or a place at national level, the club can contact us. We’ll look at how we can help, from specialist coaching and training camps to travel for competitions.

Clubs in the North East can get in touch at youngathletes@the247.group with a short note on who they are, what they need and what difference it would make.

Part of a longer commitment

The North East is where 247 Group started, and where much of our team still lives and works. We’ve already invested more than £1.6 million in grassroots communities, including youth sport, and we’re backing padel across the region.

This fund focuses that support where it matters most: on the young people training in local clubs. If you run a club in the North East or know someone who could use some support, we’d like to hear from you.