We have just secured £99,000 of funding from Try for Change, a joint initiative from England Rugby and Sport Relief, to deliver a new rugby-focused project, Rugby Reading Champions.
Rugby Reading Champions is our literacy programme for children aged 9 to 13, delivered by rugby coaches. It uses the motivational power of rugby union, players and coaches as role models to inspire children and young people to read more and to improve their literacy skills.
Rugby Reading Champions was one of six projects awarded grants from Try for Change. Aimed at supporting charities, community groups and grassroots rugby clubs in England, the grants offer projects up to £100,000 for work delivered over two to three years to improve lives through rugby.
Through Rugby Reading Champions, we will work with over 500 young people over two years. The programme will be designed and delivered in partnership with Leicester Tigers.
Dominic Proctor, RFU Chair of Try for Change and RFU Board Member said: “It’s great to see a range of projects being awarded grants at our second round of funding. Each and every project selected has shown significant commitment to improving lives through rugby over a sustained period. We look forward to seeing how they develop their plans and the impact they will have over the next few years to leave a lasting impact in local communities across the country.”
Lisa Bedding, Senior Investment Partner, Sport for Change said: “We had a number of high quality applications for this round of funding, but the six that have been awarded grants really stood out. We were impressed with their proposals and are confident each project will benefit the local communities in which they are operating.”