The Community Rugby Trust (Stockwood Park)
Here you go: The Community Rugby Trust (Stockwood Park) is a Luton-based charity using rugby to change the lives of children growing up in some of the most deprived communities in England. We go into primary and secondary schools across Luton, run after school clubs and fund holiday camps, giving children who would otherwise never pick up a rugby ball the chance to fall in love with the sport. When they are ready to take the next step, we walk them to the door of Stockwood Park RFC and make sure the cost of kit, boots and membership is never the reason they do not come in. South Luton is one of the most deprived areas in the country. Nearly 40% of children here live in poverty. Rugby has historically been invisible in these communities. We are here to change that, one school, one child, one club member at a time. In two years we have coached 1,135 children across seven Luton schools, with 56% of children now joining the club coming from Free School Meal households.
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Total raised so far £8,140
+ est. £745.00
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The Community Rugby Trust was founded by members and former players of Stockwood Park RFC who noticed something that had been staring them in the face for years. The children growing up on the streets closest to their club had almost no connection to rugby. Not because they were not interested. Because nobody had ever thought to invite them in.
So in 2024, working entirely in spare time and alongside full-time jobs, they started knocking on school doors. The schools said yes. The children said yes. And what happened next surprised everyone.
In year one, working without a budget, without paid staff and without any guarantee of success, 310 children experienced rugby for the first time. In year two that grew to 1,135 children across seven Luton schools. 56% of those who went on to join the club came from Free School Meal households. The cost per child coached was just £4.13.
South Luton is one of the most deprived communities in England. Nearly 40% of children grow up in poverty. Rugby has historically been seen as a sport for private schools and wealthy communities, and in Luton's diverse, multicultural neighbourhoods it has been almost entirely invisible. We are changing that.
We deliver free sessions in schools, run after school clubs and holiday camps, and create a clear pathway into Stockwood Park RFC. When a child is ready to take the next step, we walk them through the door and make sure the cost of kit, boots and membership is never the reason they do not stay.
With your support we can reach 3,000 children in the year ahead, across up to 20 Luton schools. Every pound donated goes directly into coaching, kit and opening the door a little wider.
