Atlas Foundation Ireland

Atlas Ireland was founded by rugby champion and former British and Irish Lions player Shane Byrne, with a mission to use rugby as a tool for peace, reconciliation, and social inclusion across Ireland.

Shane has witnessed firsthand how rugby unites people from both Northern and Southern Ireland, breaking down barriers of religion and culture. The sport's values and spirit foster connections and bring communities together. Atlas Ireland places a particular focus on including marginalised young people, partnering with International Mixed Ability Sports to run Mixed Ability Rugby sessions. These sessions provide a safe space for children recovering from trauma or facing challenges such as physical disabilities, life-limiting illnesses, or mental health struggles, helping them to thrive.

In the UK, Atlas similarly extends this mission through TackleLondon, a new initiative supporting young people with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) like neglect, abuse, or poverty. Operating in schools and rugby clubs across London, TackleLondon uses rugby to create safe, inclusive environments where young people can build trusted relationships. These relationships are essential in helping them overcome challenges and create pathways to brighter futures.

Your support makes a lasting impact. Donate today to help us transform the lives of more marginalised young people.

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.