New Balance Foundation unveils Futures in Motion
New Balance Foundation in collaboration with Beyond Sport has announced the launch of Futures in Motion, a new multi-year, international initiative to drive positive youth development and inspire bright futures.
The programme, which officially launch ahead of International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on 6th April will begin in in Australia, Japan, and Poland, with plans to expand to four additional countries over the next three years.
Futures in Motion, which is designed to meet the specific cultural and community needs of each region, will focus on leveraging sport to promote the physical and overall wellbeing of underserved youth, support the community organisations serving them and position young people for long-term success.
Through a combination of grant funding, capacity-building tools, and community engagement activities, Futures in Motion seeks to ‘empower youth while addressing their unique challenges.’
Following months of research into these challenges in collaboration with subject matter experts in each country, the programme will address the specific barriers to youth physical activity through a local, regional, and international lens. These efforts aim to enhance wellbeing, teach essential life skills, and foster leadership and career readiness, and inclusion.
Megan Bloch, Director of Corporate Philanthropy at the New Balance Foundation, said, “The launch of Futures in Motion is a milestone moment for the New Balance Foundation. It’s an honor to collaborate with Beyond Sport and this initiative allows us to expand our philanthropic investments into new regions, as well as deepen our existing connections in Europe.
“As part of our strategic plan to double our giving outside the United States year over year, we are excited to tackle some of the complex issues surrounding positive youth development in these countries, as well as help scale the NGOs that are making a difference for young people. We look forward to seeing the positive impact we can make together.”
The programme will award hyperlocal multi-year grants to sport-based, youth-focused initiatives that promote health, education, career opportunities, and leadership development. It will also provide collaborative learning platforms and training in addition to tools to strengthen community organizations, ensuring long-term sustainability and equipping young leaders to drive change.
Fred Fikouhi-Turner, Executive Director of Beyond Sport, added, “We are excited to grow our existing partnership with New Balance Foundation in pursuit of a shared goal to promote youth wellbeing, education, employability, and inclusion through sport. Futures in Motion will invest in locally driven solutions that ensure that young people are active participants in their own development while also advancing equitable access and inclusive physical activity programming.
“Beyond Sport will provide capacity-building opportunities and learning tools to help strengthen community organizations, foster international learning, and develop young leaders, putting us all on the path to lasting sustainable impact.”
Community engagement activities will also play a vital role in connecting youth with opportunities for mentorship, training, and sports-based development. In addition, New Balance Athletics will have the opportunity to provide footwear and apparel donations, as well as coordinate associate volunteers at local events to support the efforts of the grantees selected.
By the end of the third year of funding, Futures in Motion will have made a multi-million-dollar investment in addressing rising sedentary behaviours and building transformative pathways for young people. Community organisations with initiatives that align with the programme’s focus areas will have the opportunity to apply for funding, helping to broaden its reach and ensure a lasting, positive impact.
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