Newcastle Rugby Foundation is delighted to announce a brand new partnership with the Harrison Foundation, which will fund the delivery of our Futures programme across the region. The partnership brings together two organisations with a shared belief: that every young person in the North East deserves the chance to reach their full potential, whatever their starting point. Thanks to the Harrison Foundation’s support, more young people will be able to take part in Futures and build the confidence, self-belief and resilience to take on whatever life throws at them.
The Harrison Foundation is a privately run charitable foundation established by Sir David Harrison, Lady Sylvia Harrison and their family. Based in Newcastle, it brings an entrepreneurial, business-like approach to giving.
At its heart is social mobility. The Foundation believes too many people start life at a disadvantage simply because of their circumstances, and it works to change that by backing education, skills and employability. Its support reaches across the North East, from youth charities and community sport to digital learning, with a particular focus on children and young people.
What is Futures?
Futures is our six-part emotional intelligence programme for young people aged 14 and over. It was developed by Newcastle Rugby Foundation alongside our ambassador Tony Underwood, the former Newcastle Falcons, England and Lions star, acclaimed coach Lysa Morrison and double Olympian Chris Cook.
Through fun games, activities and group discussions, participants explore four key areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management. Along the way they learn how to understand and manage their emotions, bounce back from setbacks, communicate with confidence and build stronger relationships.
Delivered in schools, colleges and community settings, Futures gives young people practical tools they can carry into education, work and everyday life. It’s rugby’s values of teamwork,
respect and resilience, put to work off the pitch.
Darren Greco, Funding and Development Manager at Newcastle Rugby Foundation, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Harrison Foundation for believing in Futures. Emotional resilience is one of the most important things a young person can have, and this programme gives them the tools to understand themselves, handle pressure and keep moving forward. With the Harrison Foundation behind us, we can reach more young people across the North East and help them build brighter futures for themselves.”
Dan Harrison MBE, Trustee of the Harrison Foundation, said: “Our mission has always been to give people across our region a hand up. Confidence and resilience are the foundations for success in education and work, and Futures builds exactly that. Newcastle Rugby Foundation has a real connection with young people in our communities, and we’re proud to be supporting them to make a lasting difference.”
Get involved
If you’d like to find out more about Futures, or explore how your organisation could partner with Newcastle Rugby Foundation, get in touch with the team at [email protected]
