November 15, 2026
Harrison Foundation kicks off new partnership with Newcastle Rugby Foundation
The Harrison Foundation has launched a new partnership with Newcastle Rugby Foundation, supporting its Futures programme to help young people across the North East develop the confidence, self-belief and emotional resilience to reach their full potential.
The partnership brings together two organisations with a shared belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, whatever their background or starting point. Through its support, the Harrison Foundation will help Newcastle Rugby Foundation deliver Futures to more young people across the region, giving them practical skills and tools to help them navigate the challenges of everyday life.
Our work over many years has shown that too many people face barriers to success simply because of their circumstances and that everyone should have the chance to fulfil their potential. By supporting organisations working directly with children and young people, the Harrison Foundation aims to create opportunities that can make a lasting difference to their lives.
Futures is a six-part emotional intelligence programme for young people aged 14 and over, developed by Newcastle Rugby Foundation alongside its ambassador Tony Underwood, former Newcastle Falcons, England and British and Irish Lions player, coach Lysa Morrison and double Olympian Chris Cook.
Through games, activities and group discussions, participants explore four key areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management. They learn how to understand and manage their emotions, bounce back from setbacks, communicate with confidence and build stronger relationships. Delivered in schools, colleges and community settings, the programme provides practical tools that young people can carry into education, employment and everyday life.
The partnership was officially launched during a visit to Thorp Academy in Ryton, where students took part in a Futures session. They worked together on a series of practical tasks designed to develop problem-solving skills, encourage teamwork and demonstrate the importance of communication and collaboration.
Harrison Foundation Trustee, Daniel Harrison MBE, said: “It was great to visit Thorp Academy, meet the students and see Futures in action. Our mission has always been to give people across our region a hand up. Confidence and resilience are the foundations for success in education and work, and Futures builds exactly that. Newcastle Rugby Foundation has a real connection with young people in our communities, and we’re proud to be supporting them to make a lasting difference.”
Darren Greco, Funding and Development Manager at Newcastle Rugby Foundation, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Harrison Foundation for believing in Futures. Emotional resilience is one of the most important things a young person can have, and this programme gives them the tools to understand themselves, handle pressure and keep moving forward. With the Harrison Foundation behind us, we can reach more young people across the North East and help them build brighter futures for themselves.”
The partnership also reflects another important belief of the Harrison Foundation that sport is a powerful way to help people develop skills that extend far beyond the playing field.
Through sport, people learn the importance of teamwork, discipline, communication, leadership, commitment and resilience. These qualities are valuable throughout life, helping individuals build confidence, work with others and overcome challenges.
This is why the Harrison Foundation has developed partnerships with a number of sporting organisations across the North East. Alongside its partnership with Foundation of Light, the charitable arm of Sunderland AFC, the Foundation also supports Newcastle United Foundation and Ponteland Rugby Club.
The new partnership with Newcastle Rugby Foundation further strengthens this commitment.