Newark Rugby Community Foundation and Newark Rugby Club are working with You Can Do Sport (YCDS) to help young people combine further education with their passion for rugby.

At the heart of this partnership is the YCDS Extended Diploma in Sport, providing a post-16 pathway that brings together academic study, practical learning and structured rugby development. Our shared ambition is to help students succeed in their education, develop as players and prepare for their next steps in life.

YCDS Extended Diploma in Sport

Based at the YMCA Newark campus, YCDS provides the educational programme, with Newark Rugby Club supporting the rugby element through coaching, facilities and opportunities to become involved in club life.

Students can develop their knowledge of sport alongside their practical skills, exploring opportunities for progression into higher education, employment, apprenticeships and careers within sport and physical activity.

The partnership connects learning with real experience, helping students understand how the skills developed through rugby — teamwork, communication, discipline, resilience and leadership — can support their studies and future careers.

What our partnership adds

Dedicated rugby coaching and facilities

Students attend regular rugby sessions at Newark Rugby Club, with coaching designed to develop individual skills, game understanding and confidence. Access to the Club’s pitches and facilities provides a practical environment in which to learn, train and progress.

Free Newark Rugby Club membership

Students on the programme are offered free Club membership, helping them become part of the Newark Rugby community and access suitable playing and development opportunities. Our aim is to create a welcoming environment for students, whether they already play for Newark, belong to another club or are new to club rugby.

A wider rugby development experience

Alongside regular coaching, we are developing an enrichment offer that can include guest coaches, specialist sessions, visits and opportunities to learn from people working across rugby and sport.

Our ambition is to broaden students’ understanding of performance through areas such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, wellbeing and mental preparation, supported by appropriate partners and expertise.

Coaching, refereeing and leadership opportunities

Through the Club and Foundation’s schools and community programmes, students can explore opportunities to support younger participants, assist at festivals and develop coaching, refereeing and leadership skills.

These experiences can help students apply their learning, build confidence and gather practical examples of responsibility, communication and teamwork.

Connections with employers and the community

The partnership gives students access to a wider network of volunteers, businesses, education providers and community organisations. These connections can help young people explore career interests, understand different roles and develop relationships beyond the classroom.

Next Phase – planning what comes next

Our Next Phase initiative complements the YCDS partnership by helping young people and their families understand the choices available after school or college.

Through events and connections with local employers, colleges and training providers, we aim to improve access to information about:

• University and further study.

• Apprenticeships and vocational training.

• Employment and local career opportunities.

• Coaching, refereeing and volunteering.

• Careers within sport and other industries.

The emphasis is on helping each young person explore their options and make informed decisions about the route that suits them.

Supporting the whole person

This partnership is about more than sporting performance. We want students to feel part of a supportive community, develop healthy habits and grow in confidence as they prepare for adult life.

By bringing together YCDS’s educational provision, Newark Rugby Club’s rugby environment and the Foundation’s community programmes, we are creating opportunities to learn, contribute and progress both on and off the pitch.

Find out more

For details of the Extended Diploma in Sport, entry requirements, course content and applications, contact You Can Do Sport.

To discuss the rugby partnership, Club involvement or opportunities to support the programme, contact Newark Rugby Community Foundation.

Educate. Energise. Empower.