The Stourbridge Rugby Community journey began in 2019 when SRFC teamed up with Sports in Schools to drive an initiative that would promote rugby in the local area. The idea was that together we would provide opportunities for all abilities, ages and genders to engage with rugby.

The programme of organised events included delivery of a very successful skills camp with more than 45 children attending across three days, rugby sessions delivered in schools, after school clubs, and a reading and rugby scheme across a variety of local schools. Overall, 18 schools and more than 7,500 children have been directly involved with Stourbridge Rugby Community events, which are geared to encourage players to try joining their local club rugby.

The club has hosted curtain raisers for local school children and invited its minis and juniors to attend First XV games at Stourton Park. Involving young coaches and players is vital to support their professional development at training sessions and matches and they are also relevant to coaching in schools.

The community wide efforts are also targeted at developing the womens game at SRFC. Help with coaching and the involvement of the inner warrior programme has seen a great deal of interest in new players taking up the game. Even the retired players are in scope with a walking rugby session soon to be launched.

Stourbridge Rugby Head of Community, Chad Thorne said:

“It’s been a bit unexpected. There are a lot of schools in this area, but the opportunity to get into rugby was limited. I’m from Stourbridge and there was never anything but football. We went into the scheme thinking it might start off quite slow, but for us to go from no schools to working with 18 is unbelievable. It’s slightly overwhelming as well because of the support we’ve had from rugby in the area. I didn’t expect the great response as the rugby community can be fairly niche compared to anything else.”

The Club has a close working relationship with Sandwell College and the creation of a Post-16 Rugby Academy, delivering a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (equivalent to 3 A-Levels) is proving increasingly popular.

Chad added: “The pupils have 12-14 hours of rugby training a week alongside their studying and play on Wednesdays in a competitive league. The course provides an excellent opportunity for students to further their education and focus on rugby.”