One of our objectives as a Club is to create a pathway of development for aspiring and ambitious young players. We aim for the scholarship to build a bridge from school rugby into club rugby, ensuring that talented and enthusiastic players are not lost due to financial barriers but are instead supported to continue their journey, develop their skills, and progress within the Club.
At Blackheath Rugby we believe rugby should be for everyone.
For many children and young people, the desire to play is there, but the financial barriers can be too great. Membership fees, playing kit, boots, and the wider costs of joining a club can prevent talented and enthusiastic young players from taking part.
Our 'Rugby for All' scholarship exists to remove those barriers.
This programme supports children and young people from low-income families and under-represented communities across Greenwich, helping them access the physical, mental, and social benefits that sport can provide.
Through our established Blackheath Rugby Community Programme, we work closely with local primary and secondary schools to introduce rugby through in-school coaching, festivals, and holiday activity programmes. For those who want to continue their rugby journey, our scholarship provides a supported pathway into club rugby.
Eligible players may receive:
- Fully funded club membership
- A full playing kit, including boots, socks, shorts and shirt.
- A Rugby Buddy to help new players settle into the club
Our aim is simple: no child should miss out on rugby because of cost.
WHY IT MATTERS
We know that regular participation in sport improves:
- Physical health and fitness
- Mental wellbeing and confidence
- Teamwork and resilience
- Social connection and sense of belonging
- Long-term healthy habits
By creating opportunities early, we help children stay active, build confidence, and develop lasting friendships, on and off the pitch
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Scholarship application form
Have any questions?
Interested in sponsorship opportunities?
Want to volunteer with the programme?
HOW WE IDENTIFY PLAYERS
We work directly with local schools, teachers, coaches, and families to identify children who would benefit most from additional support.
This includes:
- Children eligible for free school meals; this forms the primary basis for scholarship eligibility
- Families experiencing financial hardship
- Young people from communities under-represented in rugby
- Children who show enthusiasm and commitment during school coaching sessions
Referrals can come through schools, coaches, parents, and directly through our Community Rugby programme.
All enquiries are handled sensitively and confidentially.
APPLYING FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
Applying for support is designed to be simple, supportive, and respectful.
Families, schools, parents and coaches can begin the process by speaking with our Community Rugby lead Pete Gray or the Minis and Juniors leaders, Justin Zarb and Andrew Collett, who will help with the following:
- A completed application form
- Confirmation of free school meals (FSM) eligibility
Applications are reviewed by the Club to ensure support is provided fairly and consistently. As places are limited, decisions are made carefully based on need, commitment, and alignment with the values of the Club.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Scholarship Scheme is supported through club fundraising, sponsorship, donations, and the generosity of our wider Blackheath Rugby community.
We would like to thank everyone who has donated to the Blackheath Rugby Charitable Trust to help make this possible. Their support allows us to remove financial barriers for young players and create opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.
There are several ways you can support the programme:
Sponsor a Player
Help fund a child’s membership fees and playing kit for the season.
Business Sponsorship
Local businesses can support the programme through financial sponsorship, kit donations, or event support.
Volunteer Your Time
From mentoring and coaching to helping at festivals and holiday camps, volunteers are central to making this work possible.
Get Involved
If you would like to:
- Refer a young person for support
- Discuss school partnerships
- Explore sponsorship opportunities
- Volunteer with the programme
- Make a donation
please contact our Community Rugby Programme team at scholarship@blackheathrugby.co.uk
Together, we can ensure that rugby remains a sport for all.