Giving young people a new perspective through sport. After five years in operation, Bedford Blues Foundation is more determined than ever to help young people thrive.
Since launching operationally in April 2020, the Foundation has worked hard to establish its programmes across our community and ensure they leave a lasting legacy in the town.
We’ve taken a look back at our journey so far, and we could not be prouder and thankful to the people who have supported the Foundation.
Work towards creating the charitable arm of Bedford Blues started in 2018, formed by founding Trustees James Stonor, Bedford Blues Director, and the club’s Chief Executive Officer, Gareth Alred.
Now, the Foundation has launched a series of videos to give our community a greater understanding of the work it does to support young people.
5,000 children
Since its inception, the Foundation has grown significantly and now supports over 5,000 children each year.
From rugby-based coaching, with projects designed to boost girls’ access to rugby, which England’s recent World Cup success has lifted, and school rugby coaching created to nurture the next crop of local talented players.
To targeted interventions that use the sports values to address mental health challenges, improve classroom behaviour, and enhance life skills for young people.
This is where local professional sport can be so powerful. Through rugby’s core values, we see how these can transform a young person’s perspective on life and attitude towards their own development.
The Foundation’s programmes are vast, working directly with local schools and organisations where the team can make a significant difference.
One of the youngsters supported by the Blues Foundation said it had changed her life.
“If I’d kept going down the path I was going down, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. I do feel like the foundation has changed the course of my life,” she said.
Making a difference
Rory Ward, professional player for Bedford Blues, and Sport and Inclusion Mentor for Blues Foundation, said: “I’m really passionate about the work I’m doing to help people who are less fortunate than others.
“I think my work has helped me improve as a player too, just because I throw myself into it so wholeheartedly, it takes all my attention and helps me switch off from rugby.
“I also feel responsible for promoting the club to young people. When I’m at the club, I’m present and trying to help in any way I can. I hope I’m making a difference.
“The work keeps me enjoying my rugby because it gives me purpose and proves that sport can make a lasting difference to people’s lives.”
As a club and Foundation, we are delighted with the impact the charity has had in its first five years. We are passionate and determined to continue this momentum and continue making a difference to young people locally.
You can learn more about the Foundation here, or even find out how you can support us here.
This is a guest column provided by
Bedford Blues Foundation.
It is published unedited and does not
reflect the views of the Bedford Independent.
