The ‘Professional Rugby in the Community’ report, details the commitment of all 12 Premiership clubs to their communities, through centrally managed programmes, such as the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme as well as individual club initiatives. Last season clubs visited just under 2,000 schools to conduct over 7,000 programmes, totalling 100,000 man hours of work.
Minister for Sport Richard Caborn said: “I welcome professional rugby’s continual commitment and investment into community sport. The clubs and players’ hard work can help drive up sport participation, deliver on social inclusion and inspire the next generation of rugby players through their coaching sessions in schools. I urge others to support these programmes."
Premier Rugby and the Premiership clubs invest over 7% of their combined turnover into community programmes. For the second year running, Business in the Community (BITC) has awarded Premier Rugby its % Club standard acknowledging the 12 Premiership clubs’ substantial community investment. Eight of the 12 Premiership clubs participate in Business in the Community’s Clubs that Count programme, demonstrating their commitment to tackling local and national education, health and social issues.
Clubs in the Premiership are obliged by the entry criteria to have a community development programme led by qualified, experienced employees. Such programmes are impactful and effective because they use Premiership players who are powerful role models; personally and contractually committed to community work.
Mark McCafferty, the Chief Executive of Premier Rugby said, “For ten years Premier Rugby and the Premiership clubs have been investing in community initiatives and this report highlights our growing expertise and continued commitment. Our goal has always been for clubs to be at the centre of their community and we are now a partner of choice for many private and public sector organisations dealing with health, fitness and social exclusion issues. We’re keen to expand our work in these areas and to continue to make a difference.”
Gordon Banks from Saracens said ‘The Premier Rugby Community Report highlights the significant amount of the community based work that Premiership rugby clubs are delivering across the country. Saracens, through our charity the Saracens Foundation, has become a significant service provider within Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and North London, delivering programmes against several agendas including sport, health and social inclusion. We are delighted that this work, and the work of the other eleven professional rugby clubs, is today being recognised by the Minister for Sport.’
Click here to read the full report
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