After a networking reception, more than 60 supporters were delighted to welcome our guest speaker Tadhg Leader, founder of Leader Kicking. The Leader Kicking program creates and supports a pathway for young Irish athletes to access a college education in the United States. Organic exposure to rugby, soccer, and Gaelic football puts these Irish athletes in a position to be skilled kickers and punters in American collegiate football – and to access the exciting athletic and academic opportunities available through scholarships to universities in the U.S.

We were delighted to be joined by Partnership Chairman Michael Clune and Vice Consul General Paul Rooney, who spoke about the strength of the Irish diaspora and meaningful impact of Partnership support for students and schools across Ireland.

In a dynamic conversation moderated by Cathal Conlon, Vice President of Marketing with the New England Revolution, Tadhg Leader spoke about the impact the program has on student-athletes, and the many ways the program empowers young people in harnessing the potential of a college career. He said:

“There’s such a harmony between sports and education that I knew we could bring the two together and have an unbelievable impact.”

“Without the Partnership’s support, I wouldn’t be sitting here today telling you that 20 young Irish athletes are now at university, supported by scholarships.”

Young Partners lead Grace Gardiner was delighted to announce a grant of $10,000 to Leader Kicking to support their tremendous ongoing work. To stay up-to-date with Leader Kicking, they can be found on all social media platforms.