A partnership for the community

Canterbury Rugby Club is very lucky to have strong links with the business community, which allows us to grow our reach further than our home ground, taking sport to the wider community, giving an opportunity and access to those who do not have the means, thought sport wasn’t for them, did not think they could participate, or just didn’t know how to get involved.

Led by Nathan Morris, Head of Player Pathway, our Community Department has been working hard within East Kent taking sport to all. These activities have been made possible by the by the relationships that have been forged with companies like b&m, a leading construction consultancy company based in the South East of England. From our first meeting it was clear to see that our community vision aligned with theirs and that their involvement with Canterbury Rugby Club would turn into a partnership.

Paul Duffy, b&m Business Development Manager, remarked that “by increasing the accessibility of rugby to children, b&m and CRFC could inspire young athletes, promote active lifestyles and foster a lifelong love of rugby.  Playing rugby does not only have physical benefits for the children, but also educates them about teamwork and respect, which are values the b&m community strongly believe in.”

b&m are already looking to next year and at how they can continue to work with us, as the Community Department seeks to increase our presence, with satellite centres in Sandwich, Faversham, and Ashford, whilst also increasing their presence in primary schools in East Kent.

The continued expansion of the program has the goal of increasing the numbers of girls and children with special needs and disabilities to the sport, to develop future teams within the club.  Lead Coach, Alice Hayward, will help develop children’s emotional regulation and social understanding through the power of sport.

We are proud to have b&m on board with us on our community journey.