Foundation Day at Kingston Park was a celebration of community, opportunity and innovation as Newcastle Rugby Foundation and Sage relaunched the Tackling Insights programme alongside an unforgettable matchday experience for local schoolchildren.
Schools from across the region were invited to nominate one pupil to attend Newcastle Red Bulls’ final home game of the season, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at how data and technology are transforming sport.
The young guests began their day with a special stadium tour, exploring areas usually reserved for players and staff. From walking through the changing rooms to learning about matchday operations, the children gained a unique insight into professional rugby.
Discovering the Power of Data
As part of the relaunched Tackling Insights programme, the children took part in a series of activities designed to demonstrate how numbers and data can be used to improve sporting performance. They joined coaches from the Red Bulls Academy for an interactive data analysis session in the team gym.
Using technology and performance-testing equipment, they measured their speed and strength before exploring how athletes and coaches use data to make decisions, track progress and maximise performance.
Working alongside academy coaches and performance staff, the children analysed results from their activities and discussed how professional athletes use similar information every day.
The experience highlighted the growing importance of data literacy, problem-solving and analytical thinking, key skills that sit at the heart of the Newcastle Rugby Foundation and Sage partnership.
Matchday Memories
The excitement continued when the children stepped onto the pitch as part of the Guard of Honour, welcoming the players onto the field in front of the Kingston Park crowd.
They also took part in a special half-time data analysis activity, applying the skills they had learned earlier in the day to real match scenarios.
After a day packed with learning and discovery, they settled in to enjoy the action as Red Bulls played their final home game of the season, and finished with a bang – a last minute try to win the game.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The relaunch of Tackling Insights demonstrates the shared commitment of Newcastle Rugby Foundation and Sage to inspire young people through education, technology and sport.
By combining rugby with real-world data and analytics, this award-winning programme helps young people develop valuable skills while opening their eyes to future opportunities both on and off the field.
We are delighted to be continuing this partnership for another year, showcasing how sport can inspire learning, build confidence and create memorable experiences that last long after the final whistle.
