The Harlequins Foundation has launched a new fundraising campaign to expand inclusive rugby opportunities for disabled young people across its focus boroughs.
Inclusion and Belonging Through Rugby
The Inclusion and Belonging Through Rugby campaign aims to raise £22,000 to support wheelchair rugby, mixed-ability sessions, and SEND provision, helping up to 500 young people become more active, build confidence, and feel part of a team. Disabled people are almost twice as likely to be inactive as non-disabled people, with many facing significant barriers to accessing sport. Through its inclusive programmes, the Foundation is working to remove those barriers and open rugby to new audiences.
Personal Impact
For Danielle, a player with the Jesters Wheelchair Rugby Team, the programme has helped rebuild confidence and connection after a period of isolation. "It means being part of a team again. It’s built up my confidence and got me out of the house, which has helped a great deal. The chairs are between £3,000 to £6,000 each - we can’t afford them, so your support really helps."
Programmes like this rely on specialist equipment and accessible delivery, which can be costly and limit opportunities without dedicated funding. The campaign will help ensure more young people can take part in inclusive sport in a safe, supportive environment.
School Sessions
Harlequins Foundation coaches deliver accessible rugby sessions in schools across the six focus boroughs in London, with sessions tailored specifically to the needs of the participants.
Rich Brown, head of college, Orchard Hill (Kingston region) said: "From the beginning, I’ve always felt that rugby can be a great thing in every way for young people. The coaches were able to come in and tailor the sessions, regardless of the level the students were working at. The students absolutely loved it. They kept going back every week, getting better and better, and enjoying it more and more."
Foundation's Vision
Matt Shillabeer, head of programmes at the Harlequins Foundation, added: "Too many disabled young people are missing out on the benefits of sport due to a lack of accessible opportunities. Through this campaign, we’re working to change that - using rugby to build confidence, reduce isolation and create a genuine sense of belonging."
The campaign will deliver measurable impact, including increased physical activity, improved confidence and reduced social isolation for participants, while helping to demonstrate that rugby can be a game for everyone.
Members of the public are encouraged to support the campaign by donating at www.quins.co.uk/inclusion-and-belonging-through-rugby.
