Rockets Community Foundation is a Northumberland based charity that utilises sport as a vessel to engage people within vulnerable communities.
Why was the charity founded?
We recognised there was a huge need for something for kids to do in the community. Rockets Community was created in 2014 in response to a swell of demand for more sport activity in schools, growing it as part of rugby league club, Cramlington Rockets’ outreach work, to the point we had over 50 partner schools and won National Club of the Year in 2017 for our community engagement work.
We had to go into hibernation during the pandemic but when the opportunity to have our own venue in Cramlington came up, we became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2021 to better reflect our intent to engage with a wider community. Cramlington Town Council gave us the building in Eastfield, now called The Launch Pad, having fundraised half a million pounds to refurbish, because we are committed to making it a seven day a week community hub for all.
Which areas do you cover?
The Launch Pad in East Cramlington has given us a real base for activity and we are starting to really see our projects take off. This summer, for example, we have hosted Best Ever Summer activities, supported by the council, which has meant the Launch Pad has been full of dozens of children every day of the summer holidays, enjoying fun activities while also getting a hot, cooked meal for free.
However, while Cramlington is our home, we see people coming from all over North Tyneside and Northumberland to take part and our plan is, in time, to rebuild our network of partner schools across that area to make positive impact on more and more young people.
What types of events do you have?
The holiday activity is a prime example of what we do, and our background in rugby means that we’re never far away from a rugby camp! But it is not just that. We’re a bookable venue and we welcome different community groups to come and use the space. Think everything from knit and natter to Cramlington Steel Band Club. The acoustics in the main function room really lend themselves to that! Really, it’s providing a space for the community that is our main aim. If they tell us they want to do something, we’ll try and do it.
What is your mission?
The original rugby club was founded on family values and inclusion and respect are at the heart of that. Sport has long been the vessel for us to help people see a bigger picture, and we strongly believe that giving people a sense of belonging and purpose, that focuses on good mental and physical health, that is challenging but fun, really will give people a launch pad for success. Thus, the name above the door.
What have been your proudest moments so far?
In 2021 we got the keys to the charity’s building, which was a huge moment for the charity and for me personally. Showing the young people around The Launch Pad for the first time and seeing the pride on their faces made all the hard work worth it, and three years later we’re just at the start of our ambitions for the space. We want the building to serve as a hub for the communities that surround it and for the people of Cramlington to embrace it as their own. We always welcome guests so if you would like to look around and find out more about what we do here just let us know.
What are you currently working on?
This summer we’ve fully funded 840 spaces for children and young people in Northumberland to access activities, a hot meal and peer support in The Launch Pad, and we are about to start work on a project to use the space to support young people not currently in mainstream education with out-ofclassroom learning opportunities so they can develop and achieve their full potential. This includes renovating part of our outdoor area into a BBQ and garden designed and developed by the young people taking part in the project.
How to get involved?
We love meeting ambitious North East businesses and there are lots of ways to get involved with the Rockets Community Foundation. We’re keen to build commercial partnerships with organisations who can support our mission and help us to deliver even more projects for the communities we serve. We are particularly keen to speak to businesses who would like contribute to the development of The Launch Pad as it evolves into a space that delivers real impact here in Northumberland.
By partnering with us as your chosen charity, funding a specific project like our new Pupil Development Centre or choosing to volunteer your time and expertise, you’ll be empowering local communities to thrive.
To get in touch email info@rocketsfoundation.org.uk or visit www.rocketsfoundation.org.uk