Ursula Keyes Trust Supports International Youth Games 2025 in Chester
The Ursula Keyes Trust is proud to support the Chester International Links Association (CILA) as it prepares to host the International Youth Games 2025, a celebrated event bringing together young people from Chester and its twin cities – Sens (France), Senigallia (Italy), and Lörrach (Germany).
Founded in 1993, CILA is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting international friendship, cultural understanding, and educational opportunity. One of its flagship initiatives, the International Youth Games, has taken place annually for over 25 years, rotating between the four partner cities. In July 2025, it will be Chester’s turn to welcome the visiting teams, marking the third time the city has hosted this remarkable celebration of sport, culture, and youth engagement.
This unique event goes far beyond athletic competition. It provides a meaningful opportunity for young people – many from disadvantaged backgrounds – to forge international friendships, develop their confidence, and engage in team-building activities. In particular, students from Blacon High School, will have the chance to participate. By integrating participants from the four cities into mixed teams, the Games foster cross-cultural understanding, respect, and collaboration – skills that will serve the young people well throughout their lives.
The University of Chester is playing an instrumental role in delivering the 2025 Games, generously offering its sports facilities, venues, and accommodation. Students from the University’s Business School, Sport and Science, and Arts departments are actively involved in the planning and delivery of the event, gaining valuable real-world experience in events management, hospitality, and intercultural engagement. Their contribution significantly reduces administrative and staffing costs, allowing the event to be delivered more sustainably.
While each partner city is responsible for the cost of travel, the host city covers all accommodation, meals, transport within the UK, and event organisation. Without public funding, CILA relies heavily on donations and sponsorships to meet these costs. Contributions have already been secured from corporate sponsors and the City of Chester Charter Trustees, who have kindly offered to host a civic reception at the historic Town Hall for participants, funders, and supporters.
The Ursula Keyes Trust has awarded a grant towards the cost of hosting the Games. This funding will go directly towards providing safe and inclusive accommodation, nutritious meals, and well-coordinated cultural and sporting activities for approximately 60 participants from Chester and abroad.
This grant will play a pivotal role in enabling young people from Chester – including those who may never have travelled or engaged in cross-cultural exchange before – to participate in this international event. Through sport, shared experiences, and cultural immersion, they will return home with broadened horizons, strengthened confidence, and lasting memories.
The Ursula Keyes Trust is delighted to support an event that aligns so closely with our core values of community development, youth opportunity, and social inclusion. We commend the dedicated volunteers at CILA and the University of Chester for their commitment to ensuring that the International Youth Games 2025 is an inclusive, transformative experience for all involved.
For more information on CILA and the Youth Games, please visit: https://chesterinternationallinks.uk