Our Strategy
How we create lasting change
Our strategy is built on a simple but powerful premise: when young people have access to trusted adults, positive environments, structured activity and meaningful opportunities, they thrive.
Our guiding premise
Our guiding premise
When people — particularly children and young people — have access to trusted adults, positive environments, structured activity and meaningful opportunities, they are more likely to develop confidence, resilience and positive aspirations. These improvements increase the likelihood of positive outcomes in education, wellbeing, relationships and future opportunity. Over time, these individual improvements contribute towards healthier communities, safer neighbourhoods and stronger social cohesion. Through this approach we educate individuals, energise communities and empower positive futures.
"Educate. Energise. Empower."
Three words that capture how we approach every programme, every partnership and every young person we work with.
Two Journeys, One Foundation
Two journeys. One foundation.
Everything we do connects to one of two complementary pathways. They overlap, reinforce each other, and together they form the Foundation's core purpose.
Rugby Pathway
Early Years
Multi-sports & Rugby Explorers
Schools
Primary & Secondary coaching, festivals, competitions
School-to-Club
Player Pathways & NRC transition
Age-Grade Rugby
Newark Rugby Club
Post-16 Academy
Newark Rugby Academy & Barbarians
Senior Rugby
Newark Rugby Club & beyond
Education & Personal Development Pathway
Schools
Mentoring, values & personal development
Targeted Support
TRY Again & TREDS Active
Leadership
Young Leaders programme
Post-16
Newark Rugby Academy — BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development
Careers & Employability
Employer partnerships, work experience, apprenticeships
Community Leadership
Volunteering, coaching & civic contribution
These two journeys are not separate. Many young people travel both simultaneously — developing as rugby players while also building the personal skills, qualifications and aspirations that will shape their futures. The Foundation exists at the intersection of both.
Theory of Change
How activities lead to meaningful outcomes
Our Theory of Change explains the causal chain from what we invest and deliver through to the long-term impact we seek to achieve for individuals and communities across Newark & Sherwood.
Read: Theory of Change summary
Inputs: Qualified coaches, school and community partnerships, funding, volunteer time, and the Newark Rugby Club infrastructure.
Activities: Coached rugby sessions, education and personal development programmes, mentoring, leadership qualifications, and careers support across Early Years to Post-16.
Outputs: Young people engaged in structured sport and education; schools and community organisations supported; qualifications and awards achieved.
Short-term outcomes: Improved physical activity, attendance, behaviour, confidence and social skills.
Long-term outcomes: Reduced risk of exclusion and NEET; stronger community cohesion; young people equipped with skills for employment and civic life.
Impact: A safer, healthier, more connected Newark & Sherwood — where every young person has a route to a brighter future.
Logic Model
From delivery to impact
Our Logic Model maps the detailed relationship between our resources, activities, outputs and outcomes — providing the evidence framework that guides how we plan, deliver and evaluate our work.
Read: Logic Model summary
Problem: Children and young people in Newark & Sherwood face above-average rates of deprivation, inactivity, school exclusion, and limited post-16 opportunity.
Resources: Coaching expertise, school partnerships, community venues, grant funding, and volunteer capacity.
Programme activities: Rugby coaching (Early Years to Post-16), TRY Again mentoring, Young Leaders programme, TREDS Active, Newark Rugby Academy, and careers and employability support.
Short-term outcomes: Increased physical activity; improved attendance and behaviour; greater confidence and resilience.
Medium-term outcomes: Reduced exclusions; improved attainment; young people progressing into employment, education or training.
Long-term impact: A healthier, safer community with stronger social cohesion and improved life outcomes for young people.
Partnership Architecture
Built on strong partnerships
Newark Rugby Community Foundation operates through a layered partnership model. Newark Rugby Club provides the foundation — the facilities, volunteer infrastructure and community relationships that make everything possible. Around it, four tiers of partnership extend our reach and deepen our impact.
Read: Partnership Model summary
Core partnership: Newark Rugby Community Foundation and Newark Rugby Club work together as the delivery hub — the Foundation leads community and education programmes; the Club provides the rugby pathway and facilities.
School partners: 30 schools across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire commission and co-deliver education programmes, providing access to pupils and staff.
Community partners: Local authority, health, justice, and voluntary sector organisations refer young people and co-fund targeted programmes such as TRY Again.
Employer and corporate partners: Local businesses provide work experience, mentoring, funding, and in-kind support — particularly for the Newark Rugby Academy and careers strand.
Funders: Grant-making trusts, Sport England, and public sector commissioners provide the financial foundation for programme delivery.
See our strategy in action
Explore our programmes, understand our impact, or get in touch to find out how you can support our work.