Our Impact
Changing lives through rugby
Every session, every qualification, every young person supported — this is what our work looks like in practice.
Why impact matters to us
As a registered charity, we are accountable to the communities we serve. We measure what we do, listen to the young people and schools we work with, and use that evidence to improve. The outcomes below reflect what participants, teachers and partners tell us — and what we observe on the ground every week.
Our reach so far
Although still in the early stages of organisational development, the Foundation already operates through an established delivery network and has engaged significant numbers of children and young people across the region.
2,000+
Children and young people engaged
28
Educational settings across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire
931
Primary-age pupils through rugby delivery
538
Primary-age pupils at rugby festivals
~700
Secondary-age participants through tournaments and school partnerships
13
Active young leaders supporting event delivery and officiating
What we consistently see
Confidence and self-belief
Young people who complete our programmes consistently report feeling more confident in themselves and their abilities — both on and off the pitch.
Improved attendance and engagement
Schools and partners report measurable improvements in attendance, classroom behaviour and willingness to participate following programme involvement.
Community and belonging
Our programmes bring together young people from different backgrounds, abilities and circumstances — building friendships and a shared sense of belonging.
Impact by programme
Rugby Explorers
Introducing primary school children to rugby values and physical activity through weekly coached sessions in schools across Newark & Sherwood.
- Builds confidence and social skills in a safe, fun environment
- Develops fundamental movement skills from an early age
- Children from all backgrounds access quality coaching
Schools Programme
Reaching primary and secondary schools across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire with high-quality rugby coaching, festivals and competitions from Early Years through to Sixth Form.
- Improves physical literacy and active participation
- Builds confidence, teamwork and resilience
- Creates clear pathways from school sport into club rugby
Player Pathways & School-to-Club Transition
Bridging the gap between school rugby and Newark Rugby Club — removing barriers and supporting young players to make the transition into age-grade club rugby.
- Removes the barriers between school rugby and club membership
- Provides a warm, supported introduction to Newark Rugby Club
- Increases retention of young players in the game long-term
Young Leaders & Qualifications
Developing the next generation of community leaders through coaching qualifications, mentoring and hands-on experience.
- Participants gain nationally recognised coaching qualifications
- Gain a CV with real leadership and coaching experience
- Graduates go on to volunteer and coach in their communities
Newark Rugby Academy
A post-16 pathway combining the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development with structured age-grade rugby through the Barbarians programme.
- Gain a recognised Level 3 qualification alongside rugby development
- Access structured boys' and girls' rugby through the Barbarians programme
- Opens routes into higher education, coaching and professional rugby
Careers, Skills & Employability
Opening doors to careers and long-term opportunity through employer engagement, work experience and apprenticeship pathways.
- Gain real work experience with local and regional employers
- Explore apprenticeship and training routes beyond school
- Build the skills and confidence to enter the workforce
TREDS Active
Embedding the TREDS values framework into schools to improve health, wellbeing and behaviour.
- Increased physical activity, confidence and wellbeing for children
- Improved attendance, behaviour and school engagement
- Schools report stronger shared values and culture
TRY Again — Primary
Using rugby to build confidence, teamwork and belonging for KS2 pupils — particularly those who need extra support with emotional regulation and resilience.
- Increased confidence, self-belief and willingness to participate
- Improved emotional regulation, resilience and ability to manage big feelings
- Children feel more included and valued within their school community
TRY Again — Secondary
Re-engaging KS3 & KS4 young people at risk of exclusion through structured mentoring, physical activity and personal development.
- Improved attendance, engagement and reduction in behaviour incidents
- Stronger emotional regulation, resilience and maturity
- Reduced risk of exclusion and antisocial behaviour
TRY Again in practice
The following case studies illustrate the real-world impact of our TRY Again mentoring programme. All participants are anonymised.
TRY Again Mentoring
Developing Emotional Regulation & Teamwork
Initial situation
A Year 2 pupil was referred to the mentoring programme due to difficulties with emotional regulation and teamwork. The participant frequently became upset when situations did not go their way, regularly blamed peers during disagreements and struggled to participate effectively within team activities.
What happened
School staff reported significant improvements in communication, listening, teamwork, emotional awareness and behaviour. The participant became increasingly able to discuss emotions, identify triggers for frustration and consider the perspectives of others when working in groups.
Support provided
- Emotional regulation
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Coping strategies
- Positive peer interaction
Outcomes demonstrated
- Emotional Wellbeing
- Behaviour Improvement
- Communication Skills
- Teamwork
- Confidence
TRY Again Mentoring
Rebuilding Confidence, Trust & School Engagement
Initial situation
An eight-year-old participant was referred due to escalating behavioural concerns, difficulties building positive relationships and increasing disengagement within school. The participant regularly refused lessons, ignored adult instruction, left classrooms and demonstrated unsafe behaviour around the school environment.
What happened
The participant responded positively to the mentoring relationship and demonstrated improved confidence, communication, emotional awareness and accountability. School staff observed positive engagement beyond mentoring sessions, including within wider curriculum activities.
Support provided
- Consistent trusted adult support
- Positive role modelling
- Confidence-building activity
- Emotional support
- Behaviour reflection
Outcomes demonstrated
- Confidence
- Trusted Relationships
- Emotional Wellbeing
- School Engagement
- Positive Behaviour
TRY Again Mentoring
Supporting a Young Person at Risk of Exclusion
Initial situation
A Year 6 participant was referred due to poor attendance, behavioural concerns, anti-social behaviour and risk of permanent exclusion. The participant was known to local police and there were concerns that behavioural and social difficulties would continue to escalate without targeted intervention.
What happened
Following intervention, the participant demonstrated improved engagement, behaviour, self-awareness and resilience. The participant successfully transitioned into an alternative educational provision better suited to their needs, with mentoring recognised as supporting readiness for this next stage.
Support provided
- Structured mentoring
- Trusted adult support
- Emotional wellbeing guidance
- Positive role modelling
- Coping strategy development
Outcomes demonstrated
- Attendance & Engagement
- Behaviour Improvement
- Emotional Regulation
- Resilience
- Prevention of Escalation
Accountability and governance
As a registered charity, we publish annual reports and accounts with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Our governance, finances and impact are available for public scrutiny.
Registered Charity No. 1219783
Help us go further
Every donation, partnership and volunteer hour extends our reach. Join us in building a stronger, more connected community through rugby.