No child without education

Sport has the power to do much more than develop physical abilities. It can create opportunities, build confidence, inspire ambition, and help young people discover their potential. Throughout the 2025-2026 edition of Rugby for All, sport continued to serve as a powerful educational and social inclusion tool, helping vulnerable young people strengthen not only their athletic skills but also the life skills they need to succeed in school, in their communities, and in the future.

Between June and August 2026, we celebrated the successful completion of the 9th edition of Rugby for All, a program that combines rugby training with educational and personal development activities designed to support children and youth facing social and economic challenges. By placing education at the heart of sport, the program has continued to demonstrate that the rugby field can become a classroom where young people learn resilience, teamwork, discipline, respect, communication, and self-belief.

During the 2025-2026 program cycle, 60 young people aged 12 to 18 benefited from an integrated educational component tailored to their developmental needs. Participants attended 21 English language sessions, helping them improve communication skills and gain confidence in using a language that can open doors to future educational and professional opportunities. Through 19 sports psychology workshops, young people explored topics such as emotional regulation, motivation, goal setting, and stress management, developing tools that will support them both on and off the field.

Recognizing that many adolescents struggle to envision their future pathways, the program also delivered 15 vocational guidance and career assessment sessions. These activities encouraged participants to reflect on their strengths, interests, and aspirations while helping them better understand educational and career opportunities available to them. Additionally, three sports nutrition modules provided practical knowledge about healthy lifestyles, the connection between nutrition and performance, and the importance of caring for their physical wellbeing.

The impact of these activities extends far beyond the statistics. Throughout the program, young people demonstrated increased confidence, stronger communication skills, greater independence, and improved social integration. Many participants who initially struggled to express themselves became more active within group activities, more confident in their interactions with peers, and more willing to pursue new opportunities. The supportive environment created through rugby and education allowed them to develop a sense of belonging, achievement, and hope.

Their own words best illustrate the difference the program has made:

“What I like most about this program is that the teachers are truly involved and want what is best for us.”

“I made new friends, traveled to other towns for matches, and visited new places.”

“The program helps us both psychologically and physically.”

“Because of this program, I gained confidence in myself.”

These testimonies reflect the essence of Rugby for All. For many participants, rugby became more than a sport. It became a pathway to friendship, personal growth, discovery, and self-confidence. Through every training session, workshop, conversation, and new experience, young people were encouraged to believe in themselves and their ability to shape their own future.

As the ninth edition of Rugby for All comes to an end, we are proud of the progress achieved by every participant and grateful to the supporters who made this journey possible. Your generosity helps ensure that children and young people facing barriers to education and social inclusion can access opportunities that build both character and capability.

Every donation helps keep a young person engaged in learning, connected to positive role models, and supported in developing the skills needed to thrive. Together, we are proving that when sport and education work hand in hand, they can transform lives, strengthen communities, and create opportunities that last far beyond the final whistle.