Thunder Community

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

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.

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

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.

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