Our Programmes & Pathways

Connected pathways. Lasting opportunities.

NRCF is more than a collection of programmes. We create joined-up journeys that take young people from their first experience of rugby all the way through to Post-16 education, qualifications, careers and community leadership — removing barriers at every stage.

Rugby

Rugby Explorers

Ages 3–5 · Early Years

Fun, non-contact rugby sessions for children aged 3–5, delivered on Tuesday evenings at Barnby Road Academy Sports Hall.

Rugby

Schools Programme

All ages · Primary & Secondary

Curriculum-linked coaching, festivals and personal development across 30 primary and secondary schools in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire.

Rugby

Player Pathways & School-to-Club Transition

Ages 7–18 · KS2 to Post-16

NLD-funded programme identifying talented young players and supporting their transition from school rugby into Newark Rugby Club.

Education & Personal Development

Young Leaders & Qualifications

Ages 14–18 · KS4 & Post-16

Nationally recognised coaching and refereeing qualifications, leadership development and volunteering opportunities for young people.

Education & Personal Development

Newark Rugby Academy

Ages 16+ · Post-16

Post-16 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development delivered with YCDS, combined with the Newark Barbarians Sixth Form programme.

Education & Personal Development

Careers, Skills & Employability

Ages 16+ · Post-16

Connecting young people with employers, apprenticeships, work experience and career insight across Newark & Sherwood.

Education & Personal Development

TREDS Active

Ages 4–11 · Primary

An embedded school sport and physical activity programme delivering physical literacy, mentoring, leadership and wellbeing support in primary schools — built around the values of rugby.

Education & Personal Development

TRY Again — Primary

Ages 7–11 · KS2 Primary

A primary school mentoring programme using tag rugby and values-led activities to build confidence, emotional regulation and belonging in Years 3–6.

Education & Personal Development

TRY Again — Secondary

Ages 11–16 · KS3 & KS4 Secondary

A secondary school mentoring programme using rugby to rebuild confidence, improve behaviour and re-engage Years 7–11 students facing social, emotional or mental health challenges.

Not sure which programme fits?

Get in touch and our team will point you in the right direction — all ages, abilities and backgrounds welcome.

Find the right route for you

I'm a school or college

We work with 30 schools across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire. Explore our full education offer — from Early Years coaching to Post-16 qualifications.

Schools & Education

I'm a young person or family

From Rugby Explorers for under-5s to the Newark Rugby Academy at Post-16 — browse the programmes below or get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction.

I want to support our work

Donate, volunteer, become a corporate partner or employer partner — every contribution helps us reach more young people across Newark & Sherwood.

Our 2029 strategic ambitions

By 2029 we aim to have built a fully connected pathway ecosystem across Newark & Sherwood — measurable, sustainable and recognised as a model for community rugby foundations. These are our strategic ambitions, not guaranteed outcomes.

Sustained participation at Newark Rugby Club from school-to-club transitions

Young people supported into Post-16 education, training or employment pathways

Coaching, refereeing and leadership qualifications awarded annually

Employer partners actively engaged in careers and apprenticeship delivery

Newark Rugby Academy established as a leading Post-16 rugby education offer in the East Midlands

Volunteering and community leadership opportunities created each year

Get involved with our programmes.

Whether you're a school, employer, parent or young person — there's a place for you in the NRCF pathway.

Contact us Support our work