We need your help to support the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation and Star* in reaching young people, who may not otherwise access rugby and all the benefits that our game and community have to offer. Our specific area of focus is on supporting young people (and through this, their families), who have been/are going through Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) including poor mental or emotional wellbeing and/or who are financially disadvantaged.

We know from extensive research that for young people to overcome the impact of traumatising experiences, the building of resilience is crucial. Engagement with grassroots rugby is the perfect space for this to happen, as young people are able to build this resilience through relationships with trusted adults. What we do is to essentially “support the supporters” in this. We do it by addressing any practical barriers to their participation – kit or transport needs.

In London and The South East, the Star* scheme is supported in schools by the provision of rugby coaching through the work of the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation, which as you know is a huge part of our club at East Grinstead.

We got to see the scheme in action last Tuesday, as several schools came to Saint Hill from across London and the South East to play a tournament. It was a great success to see star*, Tackle London and MRRF working so beautifully together.

You can get involved to increase participation in both the junior boys’ and girls’ sections, offer training for all coaches in engaging with young people, AND provide a wider connection with our community as a rugby club. Interested? - You are invited to attend a club event at 8pm on 10th April 2024 in the clubhouse to explain this great scheme!

We need as many people to attend on the 10th as possible, so please consider downloading your invite now! You can download more info, and your invite by clicking here: Star* Scheme

https://www.starscheme.co.uk
https://tacklelondon.org
https://mattratanarugby.foundation