With both codes of rugby gaining an increased foothold in the North East through the rising fortunes of Newcastle Falcons in union and Newcastle Thunder in league, at the forefront of efforts to use that progress in the community is the Newcastle Rugby Foundation.
An umbrella entity that co-ordinates the community programme delivery of the Falcons Community Foundation and the Newcastle Thunder Community Project, the Foundation works across five pillars of activity to motivate, educate and inspire via the power of sport.
Employing ten full time members of staff, over 150,000 people have had contact with one of the Foundation’s programmes over the past 12 years in Northumberland, Durham and Cumbria.
Working closely with their partners, the Foundation’s programmes run in primary and secondary schools, rugby clubs and through projects held at Kingston Park Stadium. Flagship education programmes include the First Class Supply Schools Connections programme, which allows affiliated schools to tailor their own delivery programme of up to 35 hours with Foundation coaches and HITZ, a national programme which uses rugby to tackle some of the greatest challenges facing young people today unemployment, crime and disillusionment.
Developing the game of rugby at a grassroots level is a club connections programme for both Falcons and Thunder, while match day festivals, coaching camps and a wide-ranging collection of CPD programmes further developing both players and coaches.
In addition to these efforts the Foundation also undertakes a number of programmes aimed at tackling health and social isolation via Tackling Health with Greggs and Move Like a Pro. Both deliver key healthy lifestyle messages and physical activity based around rugby, with Move Like a Pro also providing an opportunity for men aged 35+ to meet and bond with likeminded fellows.
Making use of the healthy relationships with Newcastle Falcons & Newcastle Thunder players from both clubs make over 500 appearances and donate over 1500 hours to community activity each season, enhancing the quality of the experience and impact of programmes for participants.
Newcastle Rugby Foundation was shortlisted in the Heart of the Community Award at the North East Business Awards and highly commended at the All Parliamentary Premiership Rugby Community Awards.
The Foundation is funded through sponsorship, grants, fundraising events and donations. If you would like to get involved or find out more about Newcastle Rugby Foundation. Visit the Foundation webpage at
www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk