Children's rugby charity expands to 60 clubs

Chard RFC in Somerset is one of the clubs giving opportunities to young people through the scheme

A charity has helped more than 1,000 disadvantaged children across the country have access to rugby.

The charity - Star Scheme - takes away practical barriers to children playing the sport by paying for transport, fees and kit.

First piloted during the pandemic at Chew Valley Rugby Club, the project has now expanded to almost 1,100 children across 60 clubs.

The charity's founder Dan Wooler said: "It's incredibly moving to actually see the tangible difference that it makes in people's lives."

Founder Dan Wooler first saw the potential when helping children at Chew Valley Rugby Club

He added: "We're making it available to those communities who wouldn't normally have access to a rugby club."

On the scheme's beginnings, he said: "We had an amazing young man called Daley who was dealing with a lot in his life and it was very obvious the impact rugby was having.

"We thought it was something we could expand but we never imagined it would expand the way it has," he added.

One of the clubs on the scheme is Chard RFC in Somerset where 16-year-old Jazz has been playing since the start of the season.

"It's a really nice sense of community," she said.

"Star is really good. They help you with transport, fees and anything you need.

"My mum doesn't drive so I get lifts to games - it really helps."

Leya said Star Scheme had helped her play rugby at a higher level

Leya, who joined Chard RFC three years ago, said the scheme had helped her a lot.

"If it wasn't for Star Scheme, I wouldn't be playing for county and academies now," she said.

Gavin Watts, chair of Chard RFC, described it as a "life-changing scheme" for a disadvantaged area.

"Being able to put them into sport for free and give them that sense of community, which is what a lot of them are missing, it really helps - especially with mental wellbeing," he said.

Star Scheme is looking to expand through more donations, corporate partners and volunteers to work with young people.

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