18,500 People. 10,829 Coaching Hours. 83% Into Employment or Education.
Our 2024/25 Impact Report Is Now Live.
We’re proud to launch our 2024/25 Impact Report, showcasing the difference rugby is making across the North East and Cumbria.
Over the past year, our programmes have supported 18,500 people, delivering 10,829 hours of coaching and helping young people, families and communities build healthier, more confident futures through the power of Rugby+.
This report is more than a collection of statistics — it’s a reflection of the people, partnerships and communities that make our work possible.
Using Rugby to Change Lives
Our mission is simple: to use rugby to boost wellbeing, grow skills, raise involvement and build belonging.
Through programmes delivered in schools, colleges, community clubs and wellbeing environments, we work with people of all ages and backgrounds across the region.
This year alone we have:
- Engaged 13,880 young people through schools and colleges
- Introduced 6,950 women and girls to rugby
- Delivered 1,100 wellbeing activity sessions
- Provided 700+ hot meals for children during school holidays
- Supported participants with disabilities or learning needs, representing 15% of those we work with
Changing Futures Through Opportunity
One of the most powerful examples of our work is the HITZ education and employability programme, which supports young people aged 14–24 who are at risk of disengaging from education.
Through the programme:
- 83% of participants progressed into education, employment or training
- 78% reported increased satisfaction with their lives
- 100% identified a potential career pathway during the programme
For many young people, programmes like this can be life-changing.
Reece Wray joined HITZ after experiencing significant personal loss and leaving school without key qualifications. Today he mentors other young people, speaks at Foundation events and continues to build a positive future for himself and his community. 2425 IMPACT REPORT (9)
Addressing Real Challenges in Our Region
The North East faces some of the UK’s most significant challenges around health inequality, youth inactivity and economic opportunity.
Our programmes aim to tackle these issues directly.
From wellbeing initiatives like Fit as a Bull, which helped participants collectively lose 129kg during the latest programme, to education programmes linking rugby with STEM learning for over 3,000 young people, our work continues to grow in both reach and impact.
What Comes Next
Looking ahead, our ambition is to widen access, deepen our impact and continue using rugby as a force for positive change.
We will continue expanding our core programmes across our four key pillars:
- Boosting wellbeing
- Growing skills
- Raising involvement
- Building belonging
We will also build on the momentum of women’s and girls’ rugby, particularly with the excitement surrounding the Women’s Rugby World Cup activity taking place in Sunderland.
Be Part of the Impact
None of this work happens alone.
Our partners, supporters, volunteers and communities are essential in helping us create lasting change across the region.
If you would like to learn more about our work or explore partnership opportunities, we invite you to read the full report.
Together, we can continue making rugby the positive difference that changes lives for good across the North East
