Blackpool State School Mentoring & Rugby Programme

Blackpool is a dynamic coastal town in northwest England, and it is home to a diverse range of neighbourhoods, each with unique challenges. Despite its vibrant tourism, many of Blackpool's youth, particularly those aged 12-16, face social and economic barriers that hinder their development.

Our proposed programme aims to address the challenges faced by secondary school children in Blackpool, offering a tailored mentorship initiative intertwined with the values and teachings of rugby. By focusing on children potentially at risk of exclusion or labelled 'at-risk' due to anti-social behaviour, this intervention aims to empower and guide them towards positive change.

The programme will span 10 weeks, engaging targeted groups of 3-6 students per session. The core focus will be on mentorship and workshops that harness the power of rugby's core values—Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship—to instil essential life skills and promote personal development.

• Communication and Conflict Resolution: Teaching effective communication strategies and methods to resolve conflicts positively and constructively.
• Benefits of Physical Exercise: Exploring the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of regular exercise and its impact on overall well-being.
• Team Building and Leadership: Cultivating leadership qualities, fostering teamwork, and emphasising the importance of collaboration.
• Career Exploration: Introducing various career paths and avenues, inspiring students to explore their interests and potentials.
• Life Skills Development: Providing practical life skills, including time management, resilience, and problem-solving.
• Goal Setting: Assisting students in setting achievable short and long-term goals, guiding them toward personal growth.

The programme will combine interactive workshops, mentorship sessions, and sports-based activities. Our coaches will guide students through discussions, exercises, and practical applications of the workshop topics. Sports sessions will not only impart the sport's technical aspects but also reinforce the values associated with it.

• Enhanced Life Skills: Equipping students with vital life skills necessary for personal and academic growth.
• Improved Resilience: Instilling resilience and determination to overcome challenges.
• Positive Behaviour Transformation: Encouraging positive behaviour changes and reduced risks of exclusion or anti-social tendencies.
• Increased Confidence: Cultivating self-belief and confidence in their abilities.
• Long-term Impact: Promoting a renewed sense of hope and optimism for a brighter future.

We will collaborate with local schools, utilising their facilities and support for the programme's successful implementation. Additionally, partnering with local rugby clubs and community organisations can enrich the experience by involving experienced coaches and creating a broader community impact.

The mentoring and rugby programme seeks to be a transformative journey for secondary school children in Blackpool, offering not just sport-based activities but a structured pathway towards personal growth, positive behavioural change, and renewed aspirations for a promising future.

This proposal aims to provide a holistic approach in shaping the lives of these students, emphasising values, skills, and experiences that will resonate beyond the duration of the programme, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more empowered community.

Impact Reports 

We have made a significant advancement with the introduction of Impact Reports. These reports represent a pivotal step forward in our commitment to enhancing student development and programme effectiveness.

Impact Reports enable us to systematically collect and analyse data on various aspects of student growth and engagement. Specifically, we will focus on key areas such as behaviour, school attendance, lesson attendance, and listening skills. By thoroughly tracking these metrics, we aim to gain valuable insights into the impact of our programmes on the holistic development of participating students. 

Here's how Impact Reports will benefit our initiatives: 

• Comprehensive Data Collection: We will gather comprehensive data on student behaviour, including positive actions and areas for improvement. This holistic approach allows us to tailor our support to address specific needs effectively.
• Attendance Monitoring: Tracking school and lesson attendance enables us to identify trends and patterns, allowing for timely intervention and support for students at risk of disengagement.
• Listening Skills Assessment: Evaluating listening skills provides valuable feedback on students' ability to absorb and comprehend information, enhancing their overall learning experience.
• Evidence-Based Decision-Making: With access to detailed impact data, we can make informed decisions regarding programme enhancements, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrating Effectiveness: Impact Reports serve as tangible evidence of the positive outcomes generated by our mentoring and rugby programmes. This data-driven approach strengthens our credibility and promotes trust among stakeholders, including donors, partners, and participants.

We are excited about the transformative potential of Impact Reports and are committed to leveraging this tool to maximise the effectiveness of our programmes. As we embark on this journey, we invite your continued support and collaboration to create meaningful impact in the lives of the students we serve

Our 10-week mentorship programme is tailored for young people aged 12-16 and focuses on essential life skills designed to empower them toward financial independence and career readiness. This programme includes key workshops on financial literacy and budgeting, particularly critical for our target group who face challenges associated with deprived upbringings. By learning how to manage their finances effectively, they gain practical skills needed to navigate and improve their economic circumstances.

In addition, we help participants create CVs and understand the job application process to upskill them for future employment. By linking these life skills with the values of rugby such as teamwork, resilience, and discipline our programme encourages young people to take control of their own wellbeing. These teachings not only prepare them for financial independence but also equip them with the confidence and tools to face life's challenges head-on