York RLFC Foundation Celebrates Expansion of ‘On The Same Team’ Programme
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York RLFC Foundation is celebrating another successful funding award that will see its impactful ‘On The Same Team’ outreach programme expanded into six primary schools across Scarborough!
The funding, generously supported by Travis Perkins, will enable the Foundation to roll out the programme in partnership with Beyond Housing, extending its reach beyond York and into communities across Scarborough.
‘On The Same Team’ has already made a significant impact in schools, clubs and community organisations across York. The programme uses the positive power of rugby league alongside structured classroom learning to help young people understand how their words and actions affect others.
Delivered once a week over a six-week half term, the programme combines practical PE sessions, interactive classroom activities and whole-school assemblies. Three of the participating schools will also receive after-school clubs, providing continued engagement and positive diversionary activities for pupils.
The initiative is aimed at children in Years 5 and 6 and focuses on tackling bullying, discrimination and anti-social behaviour. It encourages pupils to challenge stereotypes, develop empathy and see the potential in everyone.
Developed by social care charity Community Integrated Care, ‘On The Same Team’ features real-life stories from rugby league players, including role models from the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League, helping to bring key messages to life in a meaningful and relatable way.
The funding further supports the Foundation’s growing presence across North Yorkshire following its partnership with the Rugby Football League in 2024 to expand playing and community opportunities in Selby, Harrogate and Scarborough.
In 2025, York RLFC Foundation broke new ground in Scarborough through the delivery of its Alliance programme in local schools, alongside community sessions at Cayton Playing Fields in partnership with Scarborough Pirates.
The expansion of ‘On The Same Team’ will now support communities in Eastfield, Barrowcliff and the Old Town, with the project expected to reach around 1,100 children.
Working closely with Beyond Housing, local Police Officers and community organisations, the programme aims to build confidence, promote inclusion and help create stronger, safer neighbourhoods.
The funding will also support equipment, travel, social media promotion and project management, ensuring high-quality delivery and robust outcome reporting.
Adam Prentis, Delivery Manager at York RLFC Foundation, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive this funding, which allows us to bring ‘On The Same Team’ to even more young people across Scarborough.
"Rugby league is built on the values of teamwork, respect and community, and this programme uses those values to help children understand the impact they can have on others. This support means we can create safer, more inclusive environments in schools while building lasting connections with local families and partners.
"My thanks go to Travis Perkins, Beyond Housing and the local Police Officers for their commitment to supporting our communities.”
The programme has already been delivered at Barrowcliff School as part of an initial pilot, with extremely positive feedback.
Mark Rogers, Headteacher at Barrowcliff School, said: “The sessions thoroughly engaged the children. They participated enthusiastically, developing both physical skills and the social skills at the heart of the programme.
"The core message of ‘On The Same Team’ aligned perfectly with our school values and continues to influence expectations across our school. We’re grateful for the funding that made this possible and would welcome the opportunity to deliver the programme again.”
Over the past 18 months, York RLFC Foundation has refined ‘On The Same Team’ into a proven six-week programme supporting pupils both inside and outside the classroom.
For more information about this programme or the wider work of York RLFC Foundation, please contact the York RLFC office on 01904 670 880 or email foundation@yorkrlfc.com.
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