Project Rugby Annual Evaluation Report: 2018 About Spear

Project Rugby Annual Evaluation Report: 2018 About spear

The Centre for Sport, Physical Education & Activity Research (spear) is located within the Faculty of Social & Applied Sciences at Canterbury Christ Church University. spear undertakes a range of evidence-led analyses, from critical commentaries and reflections on current policy and practice, to commissioned research, evaluation and consultancy.

The Centre’s research is funded by a range of national and international funders such as the International Olympic Committee, World Health Organisation, Terre des Hommes, Department of Health, Department for Education, English Federation for Disability Sport, Access Sport, Youth Sport Trust, Sport England and Sport Wales. Recent work has focused on sport, physical activity, health and wellbeing in schools and communities.

Research conducted by spear has helped guide and inform public policy by contributing to the wider evidence base used by policy makers, providing a rationale for government and commercial investment, and steering programme improvements that enhance the experience of practitioners and participants.

The Centre for Sport, Physical Education & Activity Research (spear) Canterbury Christ Church University North Holmes Road Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1QU Tel: 01227 922680 email: [email protected] www.canterbury.ac.uk/spear Twitter: @spear_news

Authors: Karley Hubbard & Dr Abby Foad Project Team: Dr Abby Foad, Karley Hubbard, Caitlin Benstead & Professor Mike Weed

Project Rugby evaluation undertaken by spear and commissioned by Premiership Rugby and England Rugby. Case study produced by spear.

March 2018 Project Rugby: School to club transition

Harlequins Foundation March 2018

1 About spear

Authors: Karley Hubbard & Dr Abby Foad Project Team: Dr Abby Foad, Karley Hubbard, Caitlin Benstead & Professor Mike Weed

Project Rugby evaluation undertaken by spear and commissioned by Premiership Rugby and England Rugby. Case study produced by spear.

March 2018

2 Context & Reasons for Engagement “ Located in South London, Streatham- It was one of the top clubs in Croydon RFC is a thriving Rugby Union Club the South East, we used to play against Saracens and with strong community links. The club caters Wasps…league changes and for varying demographics with high numbers area demographics led to a of players from Black, Asian and Minority drop off but now we’re getting Ethnic communities and lower socio- back on track and Project Rugby has helped that. economic backgrounds. Trevor Young, Head Coach Foundation Manager Paul Wilson involved Harlequins with Project Streatham-Croydon RFC Rugby as it provided a unique opportunity to engage young people from traditionally underrepresented and less active groups. Paul “ engaged Streatham-Croydon RFC in the project because it gave the I wanted to progress myself club a chance to develop their mini and junior sections. It also and become a better player. provided an opportunity for the senior teams to grow and strengthen the base for Rugby in South London. George, Project Rugby Participant “ We don’t want to structure them too much and take away their creativity so we try and let them explore and find their Snapshot of Programme & Activities own way through it.

Harlequins Foundation coaches’ delivered taster sessions in Matt Williams, Harlequins schools under Project XV, an element of the Harlequins Project Foundation Coordinator and Rugby delivery. The aim was to engage young people from schools, Coach introduce or get them back into rugby, and provide them with competitive playing opportunities against young people from other “ schools and clubs. Thirty boys aged 13-16 have been recruited to I’d like to inspire more people Project XV; all show enthusiasm for the game and are keen to use to play. the opportunity to develop their skills and make new friends. Michael, Project Rugby Participant Since transitioning into Streatham-Croydon, club coaches have taken over delivery with sessions taking place Wednesday evenings. Sessions include an ‘ice breaker’ warm up, skill development activities, and game play. Harlequins’ coaches continue to observe and support activities, including a festival, a half term camp and a visit from Harlequins and Samoa International player Winston Stanley.

3 Impact of the Programme “ The success of Project Rugby has attracted the attention of the It’s made the boys realise Minister of Sport who attended a training session at Streatham- there’s teams here and a club willing to put them into a Croydon in April 2018. Enabling the club to showcase its team. achievements and the impact of the project on young participants: Matt Williams, Harlequins Foundation Coordinator and Key impacts on participating young people: Coach • Increased engagement and enjoyment in sport • Increased confidence and competence “ • Greater socialisation and integration I got given a good opportunity • Increased resilience and independence to play rugby and I said to • Development of valuable, transferable skills myself why would I let this • Improved behaviour in school and at home good opportunity go. Ethan, Project Rugby Young participants described how Project Rugby gives them a Participant sense of belonging, expands their social and support networks and provides a positive means of developing their resilience, skills and “ competence. I’ve seen individuals completely reformed, boys who have never Wider impacts: touched a rugby ball before now becoming social leaders of • Increased deliverer skills, competence and expertise their groups due to the • Greater parental engagement confidence they have on a rugby pitch. • Strengthened school to community links • More inclusive participation and workforce opportunities Jacques Seneschall, Harlequins Foundation Coach “ I’ve loved coming together as a team, before I used to be an Next Steps individual player but now I can connect with others.

Harlequins intend to embed and sustain Project Rugby in the Daniel, Project Rugby community. A number of fixtures are planned to extend the Participant opportunities for young participants to develop their skills in competitive situations. A change in parental attitudes to rugby has led to increased attendance at sessions and matches, and Streatham-Croydon hopes to encourage parents and wider members of the community into voluntary workforce roles. Plans are in place to develop the grounds and facilities to cater for the increased community engagement.

4 Challenges & Successes “ RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITES At the start I was scared, but Lack of time and resources its helped with my confidence. I’m no longer scared to go in impeded Streatham-Croydon’s for tackles. recruitment. Project Rugby enabled and supported the Zakk, Project Rugby Participant club to engage hard to reach young people and provide a “ more inclusive environment to The respect they have for the support future growth. game now, they’ve gone from an ideology where rugby is a white middle class sport to why can’t I play this sport and be part of something.

Jacques Seneschall, Harlequins PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT Foundations Coach Training and matches taking place during evenings and “ weekends provide a prime He’d never speak when we had people over, he’d always hide opportunity for parental up in his room, now he engagement. Streatham- socialises and is much more Croydon plans to capitalise on confident around people. this by engaging parents in Parent of Project Rugby voluntary workforce roles and Participant social events hosted by the club. “ More of my friends are playing rugby and I hope I can inspire other people to play. CHANGING PERCEPTIONS Max, Project Rugby Participant The area is renowned for football so a key challenge is to change “ individual and community The thing I’ve enjoyed the most perceptions of rugby. Working is socialising with new people with young people, parents and and playing with good players staff in schools and the which makes you want to play better. community has provided a vehicle in which to change these Jamie, Project Rugby perceptions and to demonstrate Participant the broad value of rugby to both individual and community wellbeing.

5 Top Tips “ That’s the thing with rugby, 1) Provide aspirational role models you’re not just friends you become a family. Coaches highlight the benefits of having an elite rugby club such Katie Morgan, PE Teacher at as Harlequins involved with Bishop Justus C of E School delivery as it sets a standard for the club to follow. “ Inviting professional rugby I’m really enjoying it, it’s good players to training sessions for my physical and mental provides relatable, health too. aspirational role models for Hassan, Project Rugby the young people to look up to. Participant “ Since Jacques came into our school I’ve learnt a lot from 2) Broaden reach and sustainability him…before I used to just pick up the ball and run into people Harlequins describe the importance now I’ve learnt lots of different of developing links between techniques like looping and local schools, clubs and the scissors. community. This provides an Phillippe, Project Rugby opportunity to embed and Participant sustain the project in a range of settings while generating “ opportunities to share There’s scope for a talent learning and good practice. pathway too. These guys who we may not have considered before are quite handy with a rugby ball which is an added bonus. 3) Offer bespoke training Matt Williams, Harlequins Harlequins emphasise the Foundation Coordinator and importance structuring delivery Coach around the needs of individuals, particularly those “ who have not engaged with With the community and rugby before. Deliverers note coaches round here it really the importance of a flexible makes you feel like you can do it. approach to training and allowing young participants to Kieran, Project Rugby explore and learn from their mistakes. Participant

6 Project Rugby: Mixed Ability Team

Gloucester Rugby March 2018

7 About spear

Authors: Caitlin Benstead & Dr Abby Foad Project Team: Dr Abby Foad, Prof Mike Weed, Karley Hubbard & Caitlin Benstead

Project Rugby evaluation undertaken by spear and commissioned by Premiership Rugby and England Rugby. Case study produced by spear.

March 2018

8 Context & Reasons for Engagement “ Longlevens RFC is a well-established, We already have some mixed family club located in the heart of ability rugby players who join Gloucester. The area has a varied socio- the senior team for training and we have a couple of young economic and demographic profile, coaches who are very excited including a number of deprived to be working alongside a neighbourhoods and residents with a legend like Terry Fanolua to disability. Longlevens RFC wanted to capitalise on their strong links get the project up and running. with the community through provision of inclusive, accessible Richard Rudge, Longlevens RFC opportunities to enhance the health, wellbeing and community Chairman engagement of all residents. With a successful senior men’s team already established, “ Longlevens RFC saw scope to develop their senior and youth mixed Rugby is fun. They welcomed ability teams, introducing a mixed ability team in 2017. Gloucester me with open arms. Rugby Community Development Manager, Terry Fanolua, involved Ben, Project Rugby Participant Longlevens RFC in Project Rugby to support their existing work, and enhance their efforts to provide inclusive provision for their “ community. When these guys first turned up they didn’t say a word to anybody, now they’ve become good friends. You can see the enjoyment in their faces, we joke around and have fun. For me, that’s a massive impact. Snapshot of Programme & Activities Terry Fanolua, Community Rugby Development Manager, Longlevens RFC mixed ability team consists of 26 members aged 20 Gloucester Rugby and over recruited through social media and taster sessions. Gloucester Rugby delivers these sessions weekly on Wednesday “ evenings with support from Longlevens RFC club coaches and I enjoy the teamwork and volunteers to ensure sessions are adaptable and appealing for all respect we have for one members. Activities include a mixture of contact and non-contact another. drills depending on player preference. Tim, Project Rugby Participant Members from International Mixed Ability Sports (IMAS) have visited the club to teach game variations and activities that can be tailored to player’s needs. While sessions initially focused on developing key skills and playing experience, the team are now competing against mixed ability teams across the county. This gives players the chance to represent their club alongside their new teammates, and gives them a stepping-stone to progress and sustain their enthusiasm for the game.

9 Impact of the Programme “ Programme participants explain how Project Rugby has given them I live across the street and have a sense of belonging through the comradery and friendships made. nothing to do on a Wednesday This has given players the motivation and confidence to embrace evening so I thought I’d come both the sport, and opportunities more widely in their community. down and volunteer. Community Volunteer Key impacts on players: • Enhanced competence and confidence • Increased integration and socialisation “ • Greater community engagement and trust To see the smiles on their faces, that’s what matters… • Development of valuable life skills participating in a sport that Wider impacts: they thought they couldn’t be a part of because of their • Strengthened community links disability. • More inclusive provision Terry Fanolua, Community • Increased membership numbers Rugby Development Manager, • More diverse workforce Gloucester Rugby • Increased practitioner skills and competence A key impact of Project Rugby at Longlevens RFC has been “ increasing the diversity of the club’s workforce. The programme is They’re now as confident as reported to be widely recognised within the community and one ever, not just with their rugby skills and talent but also with young resident was keen to support the programme as a other players, making new volunteer. He now helps regularly with the mixed ability sessions friends. Some have even joined after school, highlighting how the chance to work with clubs around the area. practitioners and players with different attributes and abilities has Jake Meloscia, Community developed his confidence, communication and leadership skills. Rugby Development Officer, Gloucester Rugby “ For me it’s about improving and having fun with others and Next Steps seeing where I can go. Adam, Project Rugby Longlevens hopes that Project Rugby participants will use their Participant community links to further enhance engagement, showcasing the appeal and impact of Project Rugby to others. Gloucester Rugby plan to establish more teams in the county to encourage regular competitive and friendly fixtures and to organise matches against bigger teams from Bristol and Bath. The club would like to see players considered for the England Mixed Ability Squad, so this will help give them the skills and experience they need.

10 Challenges & Successes “ DEVELOPING EXPERTISE This is a great example of why Longlevens RFC’s drive for inclusion rugby is a sport for everyone. I am very excited to be involved. necessitated bespoke training and adapted drills, which can be Terry Fanolua, Community challenging when practitioners lack Rugby Development Manager, Gloucester Rugby experience and confidence in delivering inclusive activities. Support from IMAS and from “ experienced Gloucester inclusion It’s a challenge. It gets your coaches has been invaluable in helping practitioners modify adrenaline pumping and is training sessions and matches to support the enjoyment and good fun. development of all players, to ensure they get the most out of Dom, Project Rugby Participant their experience. “ CHANGING PERCEPTIONS I have been passionate about rugby from a young age, I have Longlevens RFC’s challenge was to supported rugby for 10 years, and now I can be part of it as a change community perceptions of the player. game, increase awareness of the sporting opportunities available, and Ben, Project Rugby Participant provide an environment that was appealing and accessible to all. “ Involving Gloucester Rugby with the All my family play rugby and I programme has helped raise want to join in. awareness of the work Longlevens RFC are doing by increasing the opportunities available and the David, Project Rugby potential of these opportunities to support the community and Participant broaden awareness of the club. “ It’s a sense of belonging, they now have somewhere they’re ENGAGING THE DISENGAGED part of a team and that’s what rugby’s all about. Longlevens RFC welcomes Terry Fanolua, Community members of all ages, but Rugby Development Manager, recruitment of targeted Gloucester Rugby individuals was at times challenging. A variety of methods including school and community visits, flyers, posters and social media were used to successfully engage the target group. Once recruited, these engaged players now form a willing workforce to attract others, showcasing their achievements and providing accessible, relevant role models for engagement.

11 Top Tips “ 1) Celebrate role models I had a rare condition that would not allow me to walk Longlevens RFC highlight the again. Project Rugby has benefits of having an elite helped me stay involved in the rugby deliverer such as Terry sport. Fanolua, an international Tim, Project Rugby Participant Samoan rugby player. Terry’s involvement with delivery “ sets a standard for the club to Since joining I haven’t looked follow and provides an back. I brought my friends aspirational role model, along to have a go too. motivating current players and Mark, Project Rugby encouraging new players to get involved. Participant “ 2) Expand to sustain That’s the beauty of mixed ability rugby, everybody can Gloucester Rugby emphasise the play it. importance of developing strong links between local Jake Meloscia, Community Rugby Development Officer, schools, clubs and the Gloucester Rugby community. This is seen as vital to embed and sustain the programme, increase “ The mixture of contact and opportunities for non-contact suits me. I used to engagement, ease the be afraid of contact, now I am transition from Project Rugby a lot more confident. activities to grassroots clubs, and encourage sustained Jess, Project Rugby Participant engagement in the game. “ I am autistic but I really enjoy 3) Be prepared to adapt the social side and social life that I have gained from rugby. Terry Fanolua highlights the importance of embracing a Ben, Project Rugby Participant flexible approach to delivery that is adapted to individual and group needs, abilities and preferences. While challenging at times, this approach allows all players to get the most out of every session, learning in a style and at a pace that is appropriate for them.

12 Project Rugby: New Opportunities

Wasps RFC March 2018

13 About spear

Authors: Karley Hubbard & Dr Abby Foad Project Team: Dr Abby Foad, Karley Hubbard, Caitlin Benstead & Professor Mike Weed

Project Rugby evaluation undertaken by spear and commissioned by Premiership Rugby and England Rugby. Case study produced by spear.

March 2018

14 Context & Reasons for Engagement “ Barr’s Hill School in Coventry is a What made it work so well was smaller than average secondary Wasps coming into the school and delivering taster sessions. school catering for pupils aged 11- Otherwise I would have been 18. Around 70% of pupils are from promoting something the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students didn’t know about. (BAME) communities and around Kieran Joseph, PE Teacher, half speak English as an Additional Language (EAL). Gaining Barr’s Hill School academy status in 2015 and part of The Futures Trust multi- academy partnership, the school aims to provide pupils with an “ opportunity to achieve their life goals regardless of their starting I like how we have such point. supportive coaches we can look up to. PE teacher Kieran Joseph involved Barr’s Hill with Project Rugby as it gave pupils the chance to try a new sport right on their doorstep Ben, Project Rugby Participant while expanding the school’s PE offer. Wasps Community Development Officer Andy Smith wanted to work with the school “ to engage its large cohort of BAME, LSEG (lower socio-economic I’ve really enjoyed the fitness group) and EAL cohort in rugby and help to transition pupils into side, it’s increased my awareness and helps me when grassroots clubs. I leave school to join the army.

Adam, Project Rugby Participant “ Last time I played rugby was in Snapshot of Programme & Activities PE sessions at my old school. I found out there were Wasp coaches delivered taster sessions at the school providing a afterschool sessions here so I prime opportunity to introduce pupils to rugby and capture their came along to have fun, make enthusiasm for the game. Coaches then delivered weekly new friends and tackle people! afterschool training sessions with 18 year 9 boys. Delivered in 6 Daniel, Project Rugby week blocks, coaches Andy Smith and Ben Avant started with basic Participant ball handling skills through rugby-netball, enabling pupils to get used to handling the ball, communicating, and working as a team. As sessions progress, coaches use a student-led approach, developing sessions tailored to the needs and preferences of the target group. Andy’s close links with local rugby clubs offers an opportunity for boys to transition into club rugby, providing that next step for pupils who show enthusiasm and talent.

15 Impact of the Programme “ Programme participants say Project Rugby has changed their Coming in as an external perceptions of the game, developed their confidence and source you can see the kids supported the formation of new social networks. PE teacher Kieran who are cocky and arrogant, then you put a rugby ball in Joseph noted how one boy has grown in character; initially shy and their hands and you see them reserved he’s now “cheeky and interacting with coaches and fellow going ‘what do I do with this?’ players”. Then it’s the shy reserved guys that step forward and come to Key impacts on participating pupils: the forefront and put those cocky arrogant kids in their • Increased activity levels in previously inactive pupils place. It’s great to see as a • Enhanced physical and personal development parent and a coach. • Increased confidence and competence Andy Smith, Wasps • Greater engagement in rugby and sport in and out of school Community Development Officer Staff comment on how Project Rugby has provided a unique opportunity for the school that otherwise would not have been possible due to limited time, staff and resources. “ It’s good fun, I’ve enjoyed the Wider impacts: social side, meeting new people and gaining friends. • Strengthened school to community links • More inclusive participation and workforce opportunities Alex, Project Rugby Participant • Increased parental engagement “ I’ve loved getting muddy!

Tom, Project Rugby Participant “ Next Steps Quality coaches ensure pupils turn up, that’s why we have PE Teacher Kieran Joseph plans to embed Project Rugby within the such big numbers. school’s PE curriculum, inviting Wasps coaches to continue delivery Kieran Joseph, PE Teacher, in September. Plans are in place to open the club up to girls and Barr’s Hill School younger years, supporting the formation of teams and enabling Barr’s Hill to play competitively against other schools. “ I didn’t like rugby to start with Wasps’ coaches have already organised a rugby tournament at but now I’ve become more Nuneaton Old Edwardians rugby club providing pupils with the confident and enjoy it. opportunity to showcase their newly learned skills. Increased Dom, Project Rugby Participant awareness of the local rugby club offers pupils the chance to find out about their local club aiding school to club transition. It also gives the club an opportunity to increase their membership at grassroots level.

16 Challenges & Successes “ GOOD QUALITY COACHES The good thing about this school is that the pupils want High quality coaching provided to give it a try. When you put by Wasps supports new player clubs on the pupils will turn up engagement and retention. and engage. Wasp coaches ensure activities Kieran Joseph, PE Teacher are inclusive and tailored to Barr’s Hill School participant need, increasing the appeal and accessibility of the “ project: “when clubs are I got involved as I enjoy it and I consistent, provide good quality coaching and become part of found that I’m good at it so I pupils’ routine, numbers are retained” (Kieran Joseph, PE Teacher, thought I’d come to the club. Barr’s Hill). David, Project Rugby Participant CHANGING PERCEPTIONS Wasps coach Andy Smith notes that “ challenging people’s perceptions of rugby If these guys (Wasps) weren’t has proven hard. The area is renowned for here, we wouldn’t have the football with rugby seen as a white middle- funding or chance to give the students this opportunity. class sport. Project Rugby provides a vehicle to change these perceptions and Kieran Joseph, PE Teacher demonstrate the value rugby can offer to Barr’s Hill School pupils, deliverers and the wider community. ENGAGING THE DISENGAGED “ I’d like to play rugby outside of Project Rugby has engaged a school but I play a lot of range of pupils from different football and I don’t think my dad would let me do it. backgrounds, including LSEG areas. PE Teacher Kieran Joseph Adam, Project Rugby notes that a number of pupils Participant never participated in PE due to past experiences and not finding a “ sport they enjoy. These pupils are One pupil came up at the end now keen Project Rugby participants “turning up week in, week of the session and asked what out”, willing to learn and develop new skills. he can do at home to improve next time, they’re taking that initiative. PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT Andy Smith, Wasps Wasps challenge is engaging parents with Community Development the project as initial school to club Officer transitioning has been impeded by negative parental perceptions. Schools and clubs are driving engagement but parental support is key to sustained participation and progression.

17 Top Tips “ 1) Be adaptable We’re quite lucky here that we have the Ricoh Arena, it means Coaches highlight the importance we can give the kids tickets to of providing sessions that are watch rugby and offers a adaptable and responsive to chance to involve parents. the needs of new players from Ben Avant, Wasps Community the target groups. Session Coach delivery plans are important to provide structure but these need to be flexible and evolve “ in response to participant need. It’s good fun, it gets you active and muddy! “You’re looking at kids who have been at school all day, you don’t know what day they’ve had and their attitudes vary so Lewis, Project Rugby you need to change your coaching accordingly” (Andy Smith, Participant Wasps Community Development Officer). “ I’d like to go and join a club 2) Establish community links outside of school now. Charlie, Project Rugby Picking up the phone and talking to Participant local faith groups has been key to the success of the project. Andy Smith notes that although “ hard work at first, establishing It’s fun playing with the Wasps, these links and challenging it’s really inspiring. perceptions has helped engage Joe, Project Rugby Participant new players from the target groups and benefited the club. “ I like meeting awesome people and building new bonds and 3) Involve parents friendships. Parental support is key to ensure the Mark, Project Rugby Participant participation and sustained engagement of new young players. Clubs and schools “ provide the initial drive but The first session they didn’t parental backing is vital to want to get muddy, now encourage transition to they’re tackling and getting filthy. grassroots clubs. “One parent was initially dubious about rugby Ben Avant, Wasps Community but she recently emailed saying she Coach loved it and is going to buy a season ticket for her family for next season!” (Andy Smith, Wasps Community Development Officer).