Thunder Community
Coaching camps
Our coaching camps run every school holiday across the region at our partner clubs and here at Kingston Park Stadium.
Camps are available for 6 to 17 year olds and can last between one day and a five day residential camp.
Mini Thunder Bolts
A 45-minute fun and active session for children aged 2-6 years. Sessions aim to engage families and promote parent/guardian participation with their children.
This programme helps to develop fundamental movement and gross motor skills which are key to early childhood development.
Mini Thunderbolts is a great opportunity to get young children interested in rugby, using fun and engaging games to improve their agility, balance and coordination.
For more information about our Mini Thunder Bolts programme, please contact community@newcastle-thunder.co.uk
Holiday Activity Fund
We run free holiday activity camps for ages 4-16 years old. These camps are for those who would not normally be able to access our holiday provision. They consist of a variety of sports and other activities such as rugby, football, volleyball, tennis, dodgeball, healthy lifestyle workshops and all with a free healthy lunch, snacks and drinks throughout the day.
This programme is supported by StreetGames and Newcastle City Council.
Rugby League Development
With the aim of growing the game in the north east, we are targeting new areas of participation in rugby league alongside supporting and developing the current infra-structure of North East Rugby League (NERL) member clubs. The scope of this work includes:
1. Community Club support – We provide each club with an operational “health check” and outline the areas of support on offer as well as identifying each clubs strengths and area of growth. There is also a series of coach education seminars for club coaches and volunteers to attend.
2. Inspired by 9’s– Engage non-traditional rugby league schools into attending festivals and playing school fixtures with the opportunity to attend a National I9’s festival hosted by the RFL.
3. Lions Development Programme – run alongside the Newcastle Thunder Academy, this player development programme for u12-u14s is great opportunity for young players in the community game to get top class professional coaching in our open access programme based at Kingston Park Stadium.
Schools Connections
Develop a rugby programme bespoke to your school or trust with our Schools Connections programme. Delivered within both primary and secondary schools, sessions are delivered by full-time enhanced DBS checked, full NGB qualified Thunder Community Development Officers.
What’s included:
– 45 hours of delivery (3 half-terms)
– Teacher training
– An invite to the Schools Festival
– A signed Newcastle Thunder match ball
– School fun day
– Player or Mascot appearance
– 50 junior match tickets for Newcastle Thunder
– An article in the matchday programme
For more information about our Schools Connections programme, please contact community@newcastle-thunder.co.uk.
Club Connections
Club Connections has one key principle ; strengthening the community game at grassroots level by supporting a variety of elements both on and off the pitch.
Club Ambassadors on the programme, enable us to help grow the clubs via a number of initiatives such as CPD events hosted by players, fundraising support, match day activities, festivals, recruitment support and so much more.
For more information about our Club Connections programme, please contact community@newcastle-thunder.co.uk
Touch Rugby
Our social touch rugby project encourages females aged 14+ to get involved at our relax “turn up and play” Touch Rugby sessions at Kingston Park Stadium.
Touch Rugby is a fast, exciting, and enjoyable game involving non-contact. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, the sessions are designed for skill development, improving fitness, whilst having fun and sociable evenings.
For more information please contact community@newcastle-thunder.co.uk
Disability Rugby League
Learning Disability Rugby League (LDRL)
This is a variant of the Rugby League game developed to ensure people with a learning disability can access and enjoy the benefits of Rugby League. The programme has an emphasis on enjoyment, with activities delivered to focus on developing participant skills and confidence. Those taking part are presented with new challenges and opportunities to play matches within the LD Super League.
Futures Programme
Our Futures Programme is a girls rugby league growth project designed to accelerate growth in the women and girls game. The programme particularly focuses on expansion areas which currently do not have established rugby league playing offers for girls.
For more information, please contact jason.grant@newcastle-thunder.co.uk
Thunder Women
Playing in the Women’s Super League North, Newcastle Thunder Women’s Development team began in the summer of 2023. Training sessions take place at Kingston Park Stadium and are open to all females age 16+.
For more information, please contact Jason.grant@newcastle-thunder.co.uk
RUGBY+ Futures
At Newcastle Rugby Foundation, we are committed to supporting individuals across the region particularly those who face barriers to their development, to unlock their potential and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
The RUGBY+ Futures programme is tailored to meet the needs of young people in education, those who are not in education, employment or training, and unemployed people in the North East.
Developed by British Lion Tony Underwood and Olympian Chris Cook, together with acclaimed coach Lysa Morrison and the Newcastle Rugby Foundation Team, the game-changing programme that empowers individuals to reach their full potential and be the best version of themselves. This innovative programme equips participants with essential personal characteristics that build relationships based on trust. Self-awareness, communication, resilience, and emotional intelligence are crucial for success in any area of life and are core elements of this work.
Available in both schools and businesses, the programme is delivered over a six-week period in schools / alternative provision and focuses on key stage three pupils.
The business sessions will be delivered by a member of the businesses team (Tony Underwood, Chris Cook and Lysa Morrison).
For more information about RUGBY+ Futures, please contact community@newcastle-thunder.co.uk
Matchday Activity
Our Matchday activity provides an opportunity for clubs, schools, and individuals to participate in our Newcastle Thunder home fixtures.
We organise pre-match festivals and coaching sessions throughout the season, where grassroots clubs, local schools and individuals can attend to play competitive rugby and develop their skills at Kingston Park Stadium.
They can also take part in the Guard of Honour, be mascots walking out with the team ahead of kick-off and play halftime games in the middle of the main pitch.
If you’re interested in finding out more about our Matchday Activity and how you can get involved, please contact us at community@newcastle-thunder.co.uk