Community School assistance programme

Aim

To assist schools and children while school sports funds gets cut. We aim to help the children's health, fitness and mental wellbeing.

 Barnard Castle RUFC is a community rugby club committed to improving the health, wellbeing, fitness, confidence, and social development of young people across our local area. We are seeking funding support to deliver a two-year project for free year-round rugby coaching programme for local primary and secondary schools and arrange competitive tournaments between the schools.

 Our aim is to remove financial barriers that prevent children from accessing regular physical activity and structured sport opportunities, while helping schools enhance their PE provision and support pupil wellbeing.

About the Programme

The programme uses rugby as a vehicle to improve children’s physical health, mental wellbeing and encourage long-term lifestyle habits. A qualified rugby coach will work with local schools throughout the academic year at no cost to the schools or families.

Sessions will include:

• Weekly rugby coaching sessions focused on movement, fitness and physical exercise
• Fun conditioning activities that build strength, agility and cardiovascular health
• Teamwork-based challenges that promote communication, resilience and confidence
• Inclusive participation for boys and girls of all abilities
• Wellbeing-focused activities encouraging positive behaviour, respect and emotional support

The programme will be delivered by DBS-checked and qualified coach from Rugby Coaching Academy, working in partnership with schools and local community organisations.

Objectives

The project aims to:

• Increase physical activity levels among children and young people
• Improve mental health and emotional wellbeing through sport
• Promote healthy lifestyle habits covering fitness, nutrition awareness, hydration and recovery
• Encourage teamwork, discipline, and social inclusion
• Support children who may not otherwise access organised sport or physical activity
• Strengthen links between schools and community sports clubs
• Promote healthy lifestyles and reduce inactivity

Community Need

Many schools and families are currently facing financial pressures that limit access to extracurricular sport and physical activity opportunities. At the same time, concerns around childhood obesity, mental health, social isolation, and inactivity continue to rise.

By delivering free rugby coaching directly within schools, we can ensure all children have equal opportunities to participate, develop confidence, and enjoy the benefits of regular exercise in a safe and supportive environment.

Funding Request

The amount we are aiming to raise would be £20,000 per year to support the delivery of this programme over a 24-month period, the club is also implementing a range of additional fundraising initiatives within the club to support this project also.

Funding would contribute towards:

• Qualified coaching staff
• Equipment and training resources
• Safeguarding and first aid provision
• Venue and transport costs where required
• Community outreach and programme administration
• School engagement and health-promotion activities
• Delivery of inter-school tournaments

Expected Outcomes

Through this programme we expect to:

• Deliver coaching sessions to up to 15 local schools, Barnard Castle and Teesdale area
• Engage over 1000 children throughout the year
• Inter school tournaments increasing school partnerships
• Increase regular participation in physical activity
• Improve confidence, teamwork, and wellbeing among participants
• Provide pathways into ongoing community sport, fitness and improved healthy lifestyles

Why Support the project

Barnard Castle RUFC has a strong history of supporting community sport and youth development. We are passionate about creating opportunities for young people regardless of background or ability.

With your support, we can provide a sustainable programme that positively impacts children’s physical health, mental wellbeing, and long-term connection to sport and community activity and healthy living.

Thank you for considering our application.

Yours faithfully,

Paul Davis

Director of Rugby at Barnard Castle RUFC

07740086685

[email protected]

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 23rd September 2026 at 7:22pm