East Meath United to host seven-a-side tournament in support of youth mental health

East Meath United Football Club will host a seven-a-side football tournament in aid of Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, on Friday 30th January at their Minnistown pitches near Laytown.

The tournament will run from 6pm to 9pm and will see parents, coaches and members of the wider club community come together to raise funds for youth mental health services.

All funds raised will support Jigsaw’s work providing free therapy, and confidential mental health support to young people aged 12–25 across Ireland.

Players can take part by making a €20 donation per player via the official fundraising page here.

Donors are asked to leave their name, or the name of the player they are paying for, in the comments section to confirm registration. Donations are also welcome from those who are not playing, with every contribution helping to ensure more young people can access timely support.

The event has grown from a small charity match into a full tournament, with strong support from the East Meath United community and over 70 coaches, parents and relatives already signed up.

Mark Costigan, director of football at East Meath United, says: “Over the years football has changed dramatically, and this has caused a massive drop-out in teenagers from the game. Confidence gets knocked, and pressures from school and social media mean what was once healthy, active teenagers are now struggling to cope. Football is a great release for many boys and girls, and we want them to feel safe, play at their level and have support at the club and in hubs like Jigsaw. We need to support our young people, and we want to be the club that supports Jigsaw.”

East Meath United works with grass roots football teams across the region and says the tournament reflects its wider commitment to supporting young people’s well-being, both on and off the pitch.

Those wishing to support the event can do so by donating through the fundraising page. Every euro raised will help Jigsaw continue its vital work with young people across Ireland.