Newcastle Rugby Foundation

What Newcastle Rugby Foundation does

Newcastle Rugby Foundation is a registered non-profit charity established in 2005 and headquartered at Kingston Park Stadium, Newcastle upon Tyne. It operates as the official charitable arm of Newcastle Red Bulls (professional rugby union) and Newcastle Thunder (professional rugby league), and delivers a portfolio of community-facing programmes across the North East of England and Cumbria. The Foundation runs roughly 25 active projects in partnership with 30+ organisations, reaching approximately 18,500 participants annually (10,829 coaching hours delivered in 2024/25), with programmes spanning youth education (HITZ, Futures, Tackling Insights, Rugby College), health and wellbeing (Walking Rugby, Fit as a Bull, Summer of Touch), disability and inclusion (Learning Disability Rugby, CAST volunteering), and paid sports camps.

Its core 'product' architecture combines rugby-themed physical activity with educational content — including a 5-week STEM programme using smart-ball technology with Sage Foundation, a 6-module emotional-intelligence curriculum (Futures), and FE-college-accredited Level 1–3 qualifications — delivered through a network spanning three further-education colleges, 13+ grassroots rugby clubs, schools, and the Foundation's own 22–25 staff team. Technical capabilities outside this are limited; one disclosed third-party integration is ThinkBooker for camp registration, and no API or in-house data infrastructure is offered.

Revenue is diversified across individual donations (JustGiving), corporate partnerships (Gallagher UK, Sage, Greggs Foundation, Nuffield Health, Defender, etc.), grant funding (Sport England, Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, The Hedley Foundation), paid camps and Touch league entries, and workplace wellbeing services priced at £500/session. Participant-facing delivery is overwhelmingly free (Walking Rugby, Schools Connections, Holiday Activity Fund camps), with monetisation concentrated on commercial camp revenue and corporate CSR contracts. Total revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Newcastle Rugby Foundation

Legal name

Newcastle Rugby Foundation

Website

https://newcastlerugbyfoundation.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Newcastle Rugby Foundation is a UK charity and official community arm of Newcastle Red Bulls and Newcastle Thunder, delivering rugby-themed education, health, inclusion, and paid camps programmes to roughly 18,500 participants annually across the North East and Cumbria through a network of schools, colleges, and grassroots clubs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Sports and Education Charity Services

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Other Spectator Sports (711219)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support) (MPAKAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Local Amateur Clubs & Community Sports Organizations (MPAKACAE), Athletics Fundraising, Sponsorships & NIL Support (EDALAIAN), Sports Boarding Schools & Residential Academies (MPAKAJAL)

Keywords

• Community rugby programmes
• Sports education programmes
• Youth development services
• Disability inclusion sport
• Health wellbeing initiatives

Headquarters

HQ city

Newcastle Upon Tyne

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Individual donations through JustGiving platform, fundraising activities (Challenge events, auction items, Foundation Day campaigns), and charity place participation in events like Great North Run.
2. Corporate Partnerships and CSR: Business partnerships involving event sponsorship, employee volunteering programmes, workplace wellbeing services (Fit as a Bull Wellbeing at Work at £500 per session), and corporate social responsibility collaborations. Includes CSR brochures and business breakfast networking events.
3. Rugby Camps and Activities: Holiday rugby camps generate revenue through booking fees. Day coaching camps start at £23, residential camps offer premium multi-day experiences, and Summer of Touch league entries at £240 per team for 8-week programmes.
4. Grant Funding: Funding from charitable foundations including The Hedley Foundation (£2,500 equipment grant), Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (True Grit Project), Sport England Movement Fund, and corporate foundation partners like Sage Foundation.
5. Matchday Revenue: Revenue generation through CAST volunteering programme (raffle ticket sales), matchday activities, and Foundation Day events featuring auctions and fundraising activities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Newcastle Rugby Foundation is a registered charity and the official charitable arm of Newcastle Red Bulls and Newcastle Thunder, delivering rugby-based community programmes across the North East of England. Its core offerings span education programmes (HITZ, Futures, Tackling Insights, Rugby College), health and wellbeing programmes (Walking Rugby, Fit as a Bull, Touch Rugby), disability and inclusion programmes (Learning Disability Rugby, CAST volunteering), and grassroots rugby development (Project Rugby, Club Connections, Schools Connections), plus paid rugby camps and activities for children and young people.

Product overview

Newcastle Rugby Foundation operates as a charitable organization offering a portfolio of community-focused programmes unified under the 'Rugby+' ethos. The core offerings span five interconnected areas: Rugby Development (Project Rugby, Club Connections, Schools Connections), Education (HITZ, Futures, Tackling Insights, Rugby College), Health and Wellbeing (Walking Rugby, Fit as a Bull, Touch Rugby), Disability and Inclusion (Learning Disability Rugby, CAST Volunteering), and Camps & Activities (Holiday Camps, Residential Camps, Little Falcons). The Foundation serves as the charitable arm of Newcastle Red Bulls and Newcastle Thunder, delivering programmes from Kingston Park Stadium to over 15,000 annual participants across the North East.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HITZ: Award-winning education and employability programme helping young people find a better future through personal development, qualifications, training and employment opportunities.
• Futures
• CAST
• Fit as a Bull
• Tackling Insights
• Rugby College

Products and services

• HITZ Award-winning education and employability programme supporting young people aged 14-24 at risk of disengaging from education. Delivered in partnership with Newcastle College and New College Durham, offering Level 1 to Level 3 qualifications in Sports Coaching or Uniformed Public Services alongside personal development support.
• Futures Programme Six-part emotional intelligence programme covering Self Awareness, Self Management, Social Awareness, and Relationship Management. Developed with former England international Tony Underwood, Lysa Morrison, and Chris Cook, targeting personal development and mental wellbeing for young people.
• Tackling Insights Five-week STEM education programme using rugby and smart ball technology to teach data analytics to school children aged 9-11 from deprived areas. Reaches over 1,200 pupils across the North East in partnership with Sage Foundation.
• Rugby College 16-18 education and rugby pathway programme in partnership with Tyne Met College. Students study NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity while receiving full-time rugby training at Kingston Park Stadium.
• Health and Wellbeing Programmes Portfolio of programmes including Walking Rugby (slower-paced non-contact sessions for adults), Fit as a Bull (12-week health programme with Nuffield Health), and Summer of Touch (8-week touch rugby league at £240 per team). Focus on physical fitness, mental health, and community connection.
• Disability and Inclusion Programmes Learning Disability Rugby programme delivered in partnership with Premiership Rugby, providing opportunities to access and enjoy rugby through activities focused on building skills and confidence. Includes CAST volunteering on match days at Tyneside Badminton Centre every Monday.
• Rugby Development Programmes Includes Project Rugby (introducing rugby to new participants with Gallagher and RFU, reaching 140,000+ participants since 2017), Club Connections (supporting 72 grassroots clubs), Schools Connections (45 hours of delivery per school), Rugby League Development Project, and Women and Girls Rugby initiatives.
• Rugby Camps Holiday and residential rugby coaching camps for children aged 2-17, delivered at Kingston Park Stadium, Durham School, and partner clubs. Includes Day Coaching Camps (from £23), Performance Camps for ages 11-16, and multi-day Residential Camps with full board at Durham School.
• WRWC Legacy Programme Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Community Engagement Programme delivered as official partner of Sunderland City Council. Activities include beach festivals, mini World Cup weeks, trophy tours, and fan zone events, reaching 1,500+ people across six months.
• True Grit Programme 12-week health and wellbeing programme supporting LGBT+ veterans across the North East. Targets mental health, resilience, and community belonging through rugby-inspired fitness, emotional intelligence coaching, and healthy lifestyle workshops. Funded by Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust through its Hidden Voices initiative.

Quantifiable outcome

• 83% of HITZ participants progressed into education, employment or training
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

34 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Gallagher UKflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Project Rugby partnership with Gallagher UK and RFU. Gallagher supports community rugby development, teacher training through Gallagher Touchline Academy, and has engaged over 140,000 participants since 2017. Major corporate partner for grassroots rugby growth.
• Rugby Football Union (RFU)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017National governing body partner for Project Rugby initiative introducing new participants to rugby. Supports education and grassroots development alongside Gallagher and Premiership Rugby clubs.
• Sage FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSage Foundation supports the Tackling Insights STEM programme, combining rugby with data and analytics education. Sage provides technology expertise and data literacy support, helping young people discover careers in STEM through rugby contexts. The partnership enables the award-winning Tackling Insights programme that has benefited over 1,200 school children.
• Northumberland Rugby UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative Rugby Development Programme bridging schools and local clubs. Creates clear pathways for children to continue rugby beyond classroom, building stronger connections between educational institutions and community clubs across Northumberland.
• Newcastle CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partner for HITZ programme and Rugby College. Provides campus facilities for education delivery, supports CAST volunteer programme, and contributes to Learning Disability Rugby sessions. Longstanding partnership supporting vocational education.
• New College DurhamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partner for HITZ programme delivering Sports Coaching and Uniformed Public Services qualifications from Level 1 to Level 3. Supports alternative education pathways for disengaged young people.
• Tyne Met CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Rugby Excellence Programme and Girls Rugby Excellence Programme. Delivers NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity alongside full-time rugby training at Kingston Park Stadium.
• Nuffield HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Fit as a Bull health and wellbeing programme. Provides clinical health expertise and support for 12-week programme combining rugby-themed activities with healthy lifestyle workshops. Supported by Sport England Movement Fund.
• Premiership RugbyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerUmbrella organisation coordinating community programmes including Project Rugby, Defender Cup, and HITZ. Provides framework for club foundations to deliver national initiatives at regional level.
• Rugby Football League (RFL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Rugby League Development Project including Lions Development Programme with Newcastle Thunder Academy and National I9s festival participation. Supports growth of rugby league in North East.
• Greggs FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongstanding partner working with 150 businesses including Falcons Community. Supports breakfast club programmes and community initiatives. Trustee Tracy Lynch previously headed the Foundation for 10 years. Provides operational and strategic support.
• Wooden SpooncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChildren's charity of rugby providing grants and support for projects helping disadvantaged young people. Works with Foundation on various community initiatives including Learning Disability programme support.
• Rispin2BluescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorth East community fund established in memory of Andrew Rispin, former Bishop Auckland Rugby Club player. Provides financial and practical assistance for young players facing barriers to participation including kit, travel, and club fees.
• Defender (Premiership Rugby Cup)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerDefender supports grassroots rugby through annual Defender Cup festival at Kingston Park. Has created opportunities for over 125,000 young players since 2008. Provides platform for youth rugby development and community engagement.
• Mental Health UKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable partner for Brighter Together mental health awareness campaign. Partnership includes dedicated match night at Newcastle Red Bulls home game with glow stick sales supporting both organisations' mental health work.
• AK TeachingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEducation recruitment partner supporting Women's Rugby World Cup Mini World Cup Week delivery. Provides network of schools for community engagement activities and inclusive sport events.
• Fusion for BusinesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness support partner for Club Connections programme, helping clubs reduce energy costs while boosting grassroots participation. Co-sponsor of Business Breakfast events.
• BidfoodminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodservice company co-sponsoring Business Breakfast events and supporting Foundation operations.
• Army (British Army)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner supporting various Foundation activities and programmes.
• Community Integrated CareminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial care partner supporting community inclusion initiatives and programmes.
• Durham County Rugby Football UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty RFU partner for rugby development across Durham region, collaborating on grassroots initiatives and club support.
• North East Rugby League (NERL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoverning body partner for rugby league development, supporting club health checks, coach education, and growth initiatives across the North East.
• Cumbria Rugby Football UnionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty RFU partner for rugby development across Cumbria region.
• Inn Collection GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHospitality partner supporting Foundation events and activities.
• KitWaveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWholesale supplier providing kit and equipment support for Foundation programmes.
• Newcastle Red BullsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional rugby union club whose charitable arm is Newcastle Rugby Foundation. Provides stadium access, player appearances, matchday platform, and brand association for all Foundation activities.
• Newcastle ThunderflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional rugby league club sharing Foundation as charitable arm. Supports Thunder Community programmes, Lions Development Academy, and matchday community activities.
• Durham SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner hosting residential rugby camps with accommodation and facilities for multi-day immersive rugby experiences.
• Tyneside Badminton CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports venue partner hosting Learning Disability Rugby sessions every Monday, providing accessible facilities for inclusive sport.
• Fighting With PrideminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLGBT+ armed forces charity collaborating on True Grit Project for veteran support.
• Royal British Legion (LGBT+ network)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVeterans organisation network collaborating on True Grit Project support and outreach.
• Anxious MindsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health charity partner for True Grit Project providing specialist support for LGBT+ veterans.
• Veterans at EaseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVeterans support organisation collaborating on True Grit Project delivery.
• Action For ChildrenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChildren's charity partner supporting vulnerable young people through Foundation programmes.

Scale indicators20 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Leicester Tigers Foundation: Charitable arm of Leicester Tigers (Premiership Rugby club) delivering education, health, and community programmes across the East Midlands. Directly comparable as another Premiership club foundation with similar HITZ-style education programmes and stadium-based delivery model.
• Greggs Foundation: Charitable arm of Greggs plc funding breakfast clubs and community programmes, with Newcastle Rugby Foundation Vice Chair Tracy Lynch previously heading the Greggs Foundation. Comparable as a North East-focused corporate-affiliated charity with community partnership model.
• Sale Sharks Foundation: Charitable arm of Sale Sharks running HITZ, Project Rugby, and health programmes in the North West. Comparable Premiership Rugby foundation with overlapping programme portfolio.
• Saracens Foundation: Charitable arm of Saracens running sport-for-change programmes including HITZ, disability sport, and education initiatives in North London. Comparable Premiership Rugby foundation structure and programme mix.
• Bath Rugby Foundation: Charitable arm of Bath Rugby delivering community programmes across the South West. Comparable as a Premiership Rugby club foundation with education, health, and inclusion focus areas.
• StreetGames: UK charity delivering sport and physical activity programmes to disadvantaged young people, including co-funding the Foundation's Holiday Activity Fund camps. Comparable as a community sport charity serving similar beneficiary populations.
• Wooden Spoon: The children's charity of rugby in the UK and Ireland, supporting disadvantaged children and young people through grants to rugby-related projects. Directly comparable as a rugby-focused charitable foundation with overlapping beneficiary base and Newcastle Rugby Foundation as a grant recipient.
• Harlequins Foundation: Charitable arm of Harlequins delivering community rugby, education, and inclusion programmes in and around London. Comparable as a Premiership club foundation running HITZ, schools delivery, and CSR partnerships.

Broad incumbents

• Premiership Rugby: Umbrella organisation coordinating community programmes including Project Rugby, HITZ, and Defender Cup across all Premiership clubs. Comparable as the broader industry body that Newcastle Rugby Foundation delivers national programmes through.
• Rugby Football Union (RFU): National governing body for rugby union in England, partner in Project Rugby since 2017. Comparable as a national governing body with which Newcastle Rugby Foundation collaborates on grassroots development.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/newcastlerugbyfoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Newcastle Rugby Foundation