This year, the Ulster Rugby Foundation donated £10,000 to support the Ulster Carpets Club Community Outreach programme, enabling it to expand its reach, providing more opportunities for young people to engage with the sport.
The programme currently employs 38 Club Community Rugby Officers (CCROs) who visit schools and community groups across the province. These dedicated coaches have already reached over 12,708 young people this season, delivering 645 coaching sessions in 87 schools.
The outreach programme is designed to introduce new players to the game of rugby, providing a fun and inclusive environment for young people to learn the basics of the sport. By working closely with schools and clubs, the CCROs can identify and nurture talent, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of players for the future.
The impact of the programme can be seen in various ways. For instance, CCROs have worked with the PSNI to promote cross-community rugby initiatives, organised "Give It A Try" events to encourage female participation, and addressed misconceptions about rugby in areas with limited exposure to the sport. They have also hosted large-scale tag rugby blitzes involving multiple schools and identified and nurtured young players with potential.
Most recently, Virginia RFC held a rugby blitz in which over 350 pupils from local schools attended to come and play mixed-touch rugby. This highlights the impact CCROs can have in their community, and with the support of the Ulster Rugby Foundation are connecting people through sport.
By providing opportunities for young people to play rugby, the Foundation is helping to build stronger, healthier communities. The outreach programme is a vital part of this work, and the continued support of the Ulster Rugby Foundation will ensure its success for years to come.
For more information on the Ulster Rugby Foundation, or to make a donation online, please visit ulster.rugby/foundation.