January 12, 2026
Supporting Young People to Progress Through Sport
Grassroots sport plays a vital role in building confidence, resilience and community for young people and the Harrison Foundation continues to support initiatives that create positive long-term pathways. One example is the Community Coaching Programme delivered in partnership with Ponteland Rugby Club and All Stars Sport, which is already helping more young people access rugby and progress from school activity into community sport.
The programme represents a £20,000 investment from the Harrison Foundation and was established in 2025 to strengthen grassroots rugby, broaden access to the sport and create structured progression routes for young people. By connecting schools with community clubs the initiative ensures that pupils are not only introduced to rugby in an educational setting but are also supported to continue playing beyond the school gates.
Now moving into its second phase of delivery, the programme has built on the strong foundations laid last year. Rugby provision has expanded to include additional schools and year groups, helping to embed the sport more deeply within local education. This stage has focused on developing core rugby skills, building confidence and encouraging longer-term engagement particularly among secondary school students.
Delivery across Ponteland High School, Walbottle Academy and Kenton School has begun to bring clear outcomes. One of the most encouraging developments has been the number of pupils progressing from school-based rugby sessions into regular participation at Ponteland Rugby Club. Supporting this transition from school activity into community sport was a central aim of the programme and remains key to its long-term impact.
Daniel Harrison MBE, trustee of the Harrison Foundation said:
“Sport is incredibly powerful because it instills confidence and brings opportunity irrespective of background. This programme is about much more than rugby. It’s about giving young people a positive route into their community, helping them build resilience and showing them what they can achieve with the right support. Seeing pupils move from school sessions into club rugby really brings that impact to life.”
As the programme develops further, the focus is now shifting towards local primary schools with the aim of increasing participation in the Minis section at Ponteland RFC. Introducing rugby at a younger age allows children to develop fundamental movement skills in a fun and inclusive environment, while also helping families engage with the club. Early exposure plays a vital role in encouraging long-term involvement in sport.
The achievements of the Community Coaching Programme so far reflect the strength of partnership between the Harrison Foundation, Ponteland Rugby Club, All Stars Sport and participating schools. Coaches, teachers, volunteers, parents and young people themselves have all contributed to making the programme a success.
Looking ahead, the ambition is to continue expanding the programme’s reach, engaging more schools, more young people and a wider range of age groups. With continued collaboration and community support the initiative is well placed to deliver lasting benefits not only for rugby but for youth confidence, wellbeing and community connection across the local area.
Through initiatives like the Community Coaching Programme the Harrison Foundation remains committed to giving young people a hand up by investing in opportunities that help them thrive within sport, education and their wider communities.