We’re delighted to announce that Newark Rugby Community Foundation has been approved as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), achieving recognised charitable status.

This is a fantastic milestone for everyone who has helped build our established Schools Programme. What began eight years ago with Richard Byrom coaching in two local schools has grown into a wider community programme, bringing together sport, mentoring, education and leadership opportunities to make a positive difference to young lives in over 30 schools.

The Foundation builds on this work and Newark Rugby Club’s proud community heritage, with a clear mission:

Supporting communities through the power of sport.

Our work is shaped by three connected pillars:

• Educate – helping people develop skills, confidence and resilience, supporting learning and opening doors to new opportunities.

• Energise – improving physical and mental wellbeing, encouraging inclusive participation and bringing people together through sport and positive activity.

• Empower – developing young leaders and volunteers, helping people find their voice and enabling communities to shape their future.

Through our school partnerships, festivals, mentoring and leadership programmes, we want to help children and young people thrive both on and off the field. Our ambition also reaches beyond young people, supporting families, volunteers and the wider community across Newark and Sherwood.

Charitable status provides a stronger platform to pursue funding, develop partnerships and build a sustainable future for our community programmes.

Ben Ennals, in his role as Schools Liaison Officer, has made a significant contribution to bringing us to this point. We have also brought together an experienced board of trustees, including past and present Rugby Club directors and educational leaders from primary, secondary and special educational needs settings.

Thank you to our longstanding coaches, Richard and Ben, and our new coach, Toby, alongside the volunteers, schools, sponsors, club members and everyone whose support has helped us reach this milestone. This achievement belongs to the whole Newark Rugby community.

We’re super excited about the future and look forward to sharing our next steps—and how you can get involved.

Alan Staines
Chairman
Newark Rugby Community Foundation
Educate. Energise. Empower.