The Rugby Project – Empowering Youth and Communities Through Rugby

What is The Rugby Project?

Founded in 2021, The Rugby Project helps young people build life skills and get involved in the game through practical training in refereeing, first aid, and coaching. The course empowers participants to gain confidence, support their clubs, and give back to their communities through volunteering and fundraising.

If you’re based in Kent and aged 14-16, this is a great opportunity to develop valuable life skills, support your rugby club or school through volunteering, and contribute to fundraising for charity.

TRP Be Part of The Game

Youth Development

Helping young people gain real-world experience in coaching, refereeing, and leadership.

TRP Be Part of The Game

Community Engagement

Encouraging active volunteering and meaningful contributions within local clubs and schools through over 3,000 hours of volunteering.

TRP Be Part of The Game

Charitable Impact

Inspiring participants to lead and support successful fundraising efforts for good causes, raising over £23,000 for our chosen charity, Wooden Spoon Kent so far.

TRP Young People Big Impact 3000 Hours Volunteered £23,000 Raise for Wooden Spoon

The Course

Coaching

Each participant will complete a “Kids First” style contact course, led by RFU-accredited coaches with extensive experience working with young people.
The course focuses on safely coaching the contact areas of the game, offering practical ideas for game-based learning and guidance on how to embed rugby’s core values and codes of conduct into every session.

Time: 2 hours

Refereeing

This “Basics of Refereeing” course is delivered by members of the Kent Society of Rugby Football Union Referees and/or RFU-approved trainers.
Participants will learn how to manage a match safely and confidently, communicate effectively with players, and use correct signals and whistle tones.

Time: 2 hours

First Aid

This RFU-approved and accredited Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work course equips participants with essential first aid knowledge, tailored specifically to the needs of rugby coaching and refereeing. Participants will learn how to use a defibrillator, perform resuscitation, recognise signs of concussion, and apply essential first aid skills.

Time: 5-6 hours

The Two Participation Modules

Fundraising

Each participant is required to raise a minimum of £100. After £40 goes toward covering course costs, at least £60 will be donated to our chosen charity.
Last year’s top fundraiser brought in an incredible £1,300 — so that’s the target to beat! Anyone who raises over £200 will receive special recognition for their efforts.

Volunteering

Participants must complete a minimum of 14 volunteering hours to finish the course — the same as the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.
You can get involved in any rugby-related activity: referee or coach the minis, help in the club shop, or support events — as long as it’s connected to the game. We encourage you to apply the skills you’ve learned during the course.
All volunteering hours must be recorded and will be verified by course facilitators before completion.

Why Get Involved?

Develop new skills with three hands‑on rugby courses

Earn UCAS points with a certified First Aid qualification

Strengthen your GCSE PE and Duke of Edinburgh Award evidence

Make a real difference by supporting your club, school, and teammates

Boost your CV and make your UCAS personal statement stand out

And of course — earn exclusive Rugby Project stash!