STAR Scheme – Supporting Young People through Rugby and Community Engagement

Why are we doing this project?

The STAR Scheme is committed to making a meaningful impact on young people and their families affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and mental health challenges. Many families face barriers to sports involvement, including costs, access, and awareness. By providing structured support through rugby, STAR aims to foster resilience, build positive relationships, and help young people develop into future leaders.

How is it funded?

STAR Scheme funding supports training, transport, kits, and resources to help young people access rugby. Funding also covers professional training for grassroots clubs, equipping them to work confidently and sensitively with young people impacted by ACEs.

What are the impacts and KPIs?

Player Development and Personal Growth: Individual Player Development Plans (PDPs) for tracking personal progress in social skills, resilience, and team engagement.

Participation and Retention: Quarterly progress reports on attendance and engagement with club activities.

Research and Reporting: In-depth case studies, constructivist grounded theory research, and regular data collection on the scheme’s effectiveness.

Achievement Recognition: Internal awards for players’ accomplishments, celebrating milestones and contributions to their club community.

How is that to be achieved – the big picture?

School Partnerships: Regional managers work with local schools to identify young people who would benefit from the STAR Scheme and support them through informed engagement.

Trauma-Informed Training for Clubs: Clubs receive specialised training to create a welcoming environment that supports young people with ACEs and mental health needs.

Comprehensive Support: STAR provides transportation and essential sports gear to overcome logistical barriers, allowing families to participate fully in rugby activities.

Personalised Support: Each young person has a tailored PDP, guiding clubs on how best to support their development, build confidence, and foster teamwork skills.

Where and how we are making an impact

Through a network of local schools, professional clubs, and social services, STAR Scheme reaches young people where they are. With trauma-informed support and structured engagement, rugby becomes an avenue for building resilience, improving mental health, and increasing community connections. STAR also works alongside social services to expand support, advocate for participants, and enhance their overall well-being.

WHERE AND HOW ARE WE MAKING AN IMPACT

Project Information

Throughout the case studies we will include all project information. Including locations, type of group and total weeks of delivery.

Group impacts

In the case studies we will include some of the benefits the group received from the sessions. This could vary from using core values to improving behaviour.

Individual impacts

Possibly one of the key elements to each case study. We will include any personal developments for individuals. This could include becoming more active etc.

Future development

After completing sessions with a group, we begin to focus on implementing future plans. To ensure rugby will continue.

Baildon School 1

Player Recruitment (All Ages): Old Rishworthians have been proactive in recruiting players across all age groups. They have employed various strategies to attract new talent, such as holding open days, engaging in community events, and running promotional campaigns. The club’s inclusive approach ensures that everyone, regardless of their age or skill level, feels welcome to join and participate.

Community Uses for Facilities: The club’s facilities are not only used for rugby but also serve the local community in various ways. These facilities are available for hire for local events, meetings, and other community activities. By opening up their spaces, Old Rishworthians foster a strong sense of community and provide a valuable resource for local residents.

After School/Academy Coaching Cover: We have helped to introduce an after-school . These sessions are designed to develop the skills of young athletes for them to understand and learn about rugby from an early age. The club collaborates with local schools to ensure a seamless integration of these programs.

Baildon School 2

Recruiting Age Grade Focus: Old Crossleyans place a significant emphasis on recruiting players in the age-grade categories. This focus ensures the sustained growth and development of the club. Recruitment drives are conducted in schools and local communities to attract young talent and encourage participation in rugby from a young age.

After School Club Alongside ‘From The Mosque’: In collaboration with the ‘From The Mosque’ initiative, We aid Old Crossleyans run an after-school club that promotes inclusivity and diversity. This program aims to bridge cultural gaps and provide a welcoming environment for children from different backgrounds to learn and enjoy rugby.

Providing Girls Sessions: Old Crossleyans are committed to promoting gender equality in sports. They provide dedicated rugby sessions for girls, ensuring they have the same opportunities as boys to learn and play the game. These sessions focus on skill development, teamwork, and building confidence.

Baildon School 3

Providing Girls and Boys All Years 6-8 Weeks of Tag and Contact Sessions: At Crossley Heath School, rugby is integrated into the curriculum for all students, with 6-8 weeks of tag and contact rugby sessions for both girls and boys. These sessions are designed to teach the fundamentals of the game, enhance physical fitness, and promote teamwork and sportsmanship. The program caters to all skill levels, ensuring that every student can participate and benefit.

Learning and Development: Through these sessions, students not only learn the technical aspects of rugby but also develop important life skills such as Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. The structured program ensures that each student progresses at their own pace while enjoying the sport.

The Halifax Academy

6 Weeks’ worth of Tag Sessions for Girls and Boys: The Halifax Academy offers a 6-week tag rugby program for both girls and boys. This introductory course focuses on teaching the basics of rugby, including passing, running, and evasion techniques. The tag format ensures a safe and enjoyable introduction to the sport.

Teaching the Basics and Core Values of Rugby: The sessions at The Halifax Academy emphasise the core values of rugby: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. Students learn not only the physical skills but also the ethical and social values that are integral to the sport.

Primary Schools

Parkinson Lane (Year 5 & 6), Wainstalls (Year 3 & 4), and Halifax Academy Primary (Years 5 & 6): In these primary schools, a 6-week co-coaching program is provided for students in the specified year groups. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the rugby coaches and class teachers.

Providing Basic Co-Coaching to Upskill Teachers and Students:The co-coaching sessions aim to upskill both the teachers and the students in the basics of rugby. Teachers receive professional development alongside their students, enabling them to continue coaching rugby in the future. This approach ensures that the knowledge and enthusiasm for rugby are sustained beyond the initial coaching period.

Focus on Fundamental Skills and Enjoyment: The primary school program focuses on fundamental rugby skills such as passing, catching, and teamwork. By making the sessions fun and engaging, the program aims to instill a love for the sport in young students, encouraging them to continue playing rugby as they grow older.

All of our delivery has the core values at the centre of everything we do. The core values are an excellent tool to promote rugby and it’s many benefits. All of our coaches provide fun and enjoyable sessions, that promote teamwork, respect, sportsmanship and discipline.
We take extra time to provide the participants with chance to self-evaluate and decide on developments for the group and Peer’s. With the use of game based scenarios and small skill development games, it enables the participants to try out new skills and also challenge themselves with challenges set by themselves, others in the group or the coach.

Teamwork

Teamwork is essential to our sport. We believe the only way to succeed is by working together.

Respect

Respect forms the basis of our sport. We believe everyone on our team something to contribute.

Enjoyment

Enjoyment is the reason we play and support rugby union. We believe rugby is fun.

Discipline

Discipline underpins our sport. We believe it takes strength of character and focus to deliver.

Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship is the foundation rugby union is based on. We believe in fairness and integrity.

Core Values

To be provided with more information about the RFU core values, please click here.

Click here to return back to the Case Studies page.