Mentoring and Young Leaders are central to Newark Rugby Community Foundation’s work. Through these two programmes, we use sport to help young people build confidence, overcome challenges, develop practical skills and make a positive contribution to their communities.

Working closely with schools, families and Newark Rugby Club, our focus extends beyond developing rugby players. We want to support young people’s wellbeing, education and personal development, creating opportunities that reflect our three pillars: Educate, Energise and Empower.

Try Again Mentoring

Our Try Again Mentoring programme uses rugby-themed activities and supportive relationships to help children develop confidence, resilience and a more positive approach to learning and everyday challenges.

Sessions combine physical activity, teamwork and opportunities to talk and reflect. Rugby provides an engaging setting in which children can experience success, learn from setbacks and recognise their own strengths.

Working with school staff, the programme supports pupils to:

• Build self-confidence and recognise their achievements.

• Develop teamwork, communication and positive relationships.

• Understand and manage emotions.

• Build resilience and learn how to respond to setbacks.

• Develop responsibility, respect and positive behaviours.

• Feel more connected to school and engaged in learning.

Piloted at Sir Donald Bailey Academy, Try Again Mentoring has supported pupils across several primary year groups. The experience and feedback gathered are helping us develop the programme and shape its future delivery in partnership with schools.

Rugby’s core values — Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship — provide a practical foundation for sessions, helping children connect what they learn through sport with their experiences in the classroom and at home.

Young Leaders

Our Young Leaders programme gives young people opportunities to take responsibility, support others and develop leadership skills through practical experience.

From helping younger children enjoy their first sporting activities to supporting school festivals and community events, participants can grow in confidence while making a meaningful contribution.

The programme builds on our primary school leadership work, piloted at Collingham and Barnby Road, and our Ready2Ref programme at Newark Academy, which introduced secondary students to refereeing and event leadership.

Depending on their age, experience and interests, Young Leaders can develop through opportunities such as:

• Helping coaches deliver activities for younger children.

• Supporting primary school rugby festivals and tournaments.

• Developing refereeing skills through Ready2Ref.

• Assisting with event preparation, organisation and delivery.

• Welcoming participants and encouraging inclusive participation.

• Supporting Club and Foundation community activities.

Young Leaders receive guidance and age-appropriate responsibilities, helping them develop communication, organisation, teamwork and decision-making skills in a supportive environment.

Volunteering with a purpose

We welcome young people looking for meaningful volunteering opportunities, including those working towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) or seeking practical experience and evidence to support GCSE PE and A-Level PE or Sport studies.

Suitable roles may provide opportunities to record volunteering hours, maintain an activity log and gather examples of leadership, coaching support, officiating and personal development.

We will work with participants and, where appropriate, their schools or award leaders to agree suitable activities and help document their contribution. Opportunities must meet the requirements of the individual award or qualification, with evidence and assessment arrangements agreed in advance.

A pathway for personal development

Mentoring and Young Leaders offer connected opportunities: receiving encouragement, building confidence, taking responsibility and eventually supporting others.

Through our relationships with Newark Rugby Club, schools and community partners, we want young people to see a clear pathway into continued participation, coaching, refereeing, volunteering and wider education or employment opportunities.

You do not need to be an experienced rugby player to get involved. Enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to learn and help others are just as valuable.

Get involved

We welcome enquiries from schools interested in mentoring or leadership programmes, young people seeking volunteering opportunities, and adults or organisations who could support delivery.

Contact Newark Rugby Community Foundation to discuss how you can take part or help us create more opportunities for young people.

Educate. Energise. Empower.