WHO ARE WE?
The Blackheath Rugby Community Programme ('BRCP') was established in 2021 to provide primary and secondary school children in South East London the opportunity to learn to play rugby. Led by former Blackheath player, Habib Annous, the programme was given the Kent County Rugby Social Inclusion Award in 2024.
The programme’s aim is to introduce children across our community to the joy and values of rugby through fun, inclusive, high-quality experiences — building confidence, belonging, and a clear pathway into Blackheath Rugby Club.
Since its inception, thousands of children in SE London have benefited from the Programme and the team are always on the lookout for more partner schools. The programme includes in-curriculum coaching (KS2) delivered in structured multi-week delivery blocks, after-school clubs and festivals and events. All delivered by qualified, DBS-checked coaches.
WHAT WE OFFER
Primary schools: We deliver a non-contact Rugby Coaching Programme to all Key Stage 2 pupils. Fully qualified and DBS checked Coaches will come into your school based on your individual requirements for 5 weeks. In week 6, all participating schools will be invited to bring squads of girls and boys to a BRCP Festival.
Secondary schools: From September to March we deliver after-school rugby sessions to Key Stage 3 students. At end of March, the programme culminates with a BRCP Touch Rugby Tournament.
WHY YOUR SCHOOL SHOULD PARTICIPATE
Playing rugby is highly beneficial for children of all ages
- Physical: Improved Fitness; Strength and Conditioning; Coordination and Motor Skills; Endurance
- Mental: Discipline; Focus and Concentration;Resilience; Stress Relief
- Social: Teamwork; Communication Skills
Rugby is underpinned by its five core values of TEAMWORK, RESPECT, ENJOYMENT, DISCIPLINE and SPORTSMANSHIP ('TREDS').
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?
“The coaches were excellent: patient and knowledgable; and the festivals were excellent -- very well organised."
Secondary school PE lead
"Great coaches -- really supportive and engaging: kids love them."
Primary school PE lead
AND IT DOESN'T STOP THERE
For those pupils who wish to take their rugby journey further, Blackheath Rugby Club has a thriving Youth section.
Past President of Blackheath Rugby, Dr Alan Thompson, commented: “This is an exciting Programme and Habib Annous deserves full credit for initiating and launching the programme to schools in the local area. The immediate benefit to children in their physical health and well-being is very important and the introduction of rugby to a new group of participants is also an important opportunity for the long term future of our game. I was delighted to attend recent Festivals and see the joy and fun amongst the children and also the display of newly acquired skills. It is great to see Blackheath Rugby fully contributing to the local community."
CAN YOU HELP?
We charge schools £1,000 for a one term programme which is purely to cover coaching costs. As a result of government changes to the way school sports are funded, many of our regular schools are struggling to fund this for the new term.
We have been very lucky to find some matched funding for this year given the temporary issues with the schools funding and are happy to say that any donations we receive this year (up to Christmas 2026) will be matched, ie any donations we receive will be doubled by the Matched Funds*
Any contribution is welcome but, as an example, a donation of £100 would pay for 12 children to participate in the Programme this year. With matched giving, a £100 donation will enable us to provide Coaching to 24 children this Academic year. Your donation could make even more of an impact!!
Please email the team at community@blackheathrugby.co.uk if you are interested and want to know more.
*Up to a maximum of £15,000.