From pre-school to over-50s - new charity launches to break down barriers to sport

A new independent charity, the East Lancashire Community Foundation (ELCF) has launched with a plan to bring rugby-based programmes into schools and community venues across the region from pre-school sessions to walking rugby for the over-50s.

The Foundation unites five partner rugby clubs Blackburn, Burnley, Clitheroe, Colne & Nelson, and Rossendale under a single charitable structure. It operates independently of any one club with its own trustees, bank account and governance and is committed to delivering equally across all five areas.

The Foundation's starting point is that the barriers keeping people out of sport are rarely about ability. They are about cost, transport, confidence, disability, age and whether anyone ever made it clear you'd be welcome. Its programmes are built to address each of these with funded kit and travel for young people from disadvantaged families through the Rugby Pathway Programme; sessions designed for children with special educational needs and disabilities; walking rugby for people over 50 who thought their playing days were behind them and affordable holiday camps in every partner area.

Alongside this, ELCF will deliver tag rugby in primary schools, secondary and post-16 provision and Rugratz sessions for three- to five-year-olds.

"Rugby gave a lot of us in this region our closest friendships and our best years and I've never accepted that it should depend on where you live or what your family can afford. That's the gap this Foundation exists to close. Five clubs have joined together to back something that serves the whole of East Lancashire and every community here will see the benefit equally."
— John Dickinson, Chair of Trustees, East Lancashire Community Foundation

Delivery begins across all five areas from September 2026. Schools interested in programmes, and businesses interested in supporting the Foundation's work, are invited to get in touch.

The Foundation is currently seeking support from local businesses and individuals. Schools interested in booking programmes, businesses considering sponsorship, and anyone wanting to volunteer or donate can contact the Foundation at [email protected]

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