On a mission to give back to topical causes, Foresters Friendly Society has decided to support the Youth Sport Trust to equip educators and empower young people to build brighter futures.

The mutual says it wants to give back after seeing a crisis in young people's wellbeing, with rising numbers reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression, alongside a decline in levels of physical activity.

High Chief Ranger, President of Foresters Friendly Society, John Springham said:

"In my younger days I was fortunate to live in Regents Park. In the summer evenings I used go for a walk where there were a number of games of cricket going on and I would ask if they were any players short and could I get a game.

"Invariably I would get the opportunity to join in and I loved being out in the fresh air running around and thoroughly enjoying myself. That is what I want for our younger generation, the joy of play and sport in the fresh air as far as possible. Youth Sport Trust can help towards that aim."  

Over the course of the year, the Foresters will raise funds through its nationwide network of more than 60,000 members. It will hold events including a charity auction and ball, sell bespoke calendars which celebrate the Youth Sport Trust’s work, quizzes, and step challenges. The head of insurance operations at Foresters Friendly Society, Grant Streader, is also running the 2024 London Marathon to raise funds.

Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, said: “We are hugely grateful to Foresters Friendly Society for their commitment to the health and happiness of future generations and support of our charity vision to build a future where every child enjoys the life-changing benefits of play and sport.”

For more information about the Foresters annual appeal for the Youth Sport Trust, please visit www.forestersfriendlysociety.co.uk/membership/our-annual-charity-appeal/