Rugby for Change

Like all great initiative Rugby for Change was born out of a passion for rugby over a beer with Cricket 4 Change CEO Andy Sellins. ‘Rugby for Change' aims to use 'Street Rugby' programmes to bring young people together in areas of conflict both in the UK and overseas.

The first area of work in the UK is North East London where the programme will run year long engagement programmes on four housing estates blighted by gang related youth crime. We are currently in discussions with funders about rolling out programmes into the South West.

At the same time we are working closely with Beit Jala Lions (www.beitjalalions.com) who we are working with to set up a similar programme for young people in four areas of the West Bank/Occupied Palestinian Territories including Bethlehem and Ramallah. The London programme is being supported by Sport England and Investec and the programme with the Beit Jala Lions is being supported by UK Sport.

Young coaches from the programme in London, the West Bank/Occupied Palestinian Territories, Israel and Hungary have recently taken part in a week long, an EU funded 'Rugby for Peace' Training programme in Budapest which culminated in a competition for players from each of the four countries (see 'Total Rugby' clip below). The programme was a chance for young people brought together through their love of rugby to meet, work and play with young people who they may under normal circumstances be in conflict with.

Aims of programme

    For everyone involved to reduce their fear of young people from other areas and other backgrounds
    For everyone involved to have life changing experiences
    For everyone involved to have fun and make friends through sport
    For everyone to learn to work as a team people from diverse areas, backgrounds and religions

Leading on the programme are two former 2nd Chance Project particpants:

Ben Clayton – Former 2nd Chance Ashfield Project particpant and Street Team Leader. Ben is 20 years of age and joined the C4C Apprenticeship programme in 2009. He has recently qualified as a Level 2 Cricket Coach and a Level 2 Rugby Coach. Ben is a natural coach who we feel has a great future ahead of him as a coach and development officer.

Mike Henderson – Former 2nd Chance Bristol Project particpant and Rugby Development Coach. Mike is in inspirational fitness professional developing his qualifications one by one and also features in the School of Hard Knocks.