Northfield Academy visit showcases the impact of rugby in the community

The visit coincided with Northfield Academy’s U16 Boys 6 Series semi-final against Mearns Academy, bringing together young players, school staff and pupils. They were joined by representatives from Scottish Rugby and The Wood Foundation to recognise the work delivered in the area over the past three years as part of the programme. 

Through CashBack, Scottish Rugby has worked with schools and communities across the country to introduce young people to rugby, particularly in areas where access to sport and other opportunities can be more limited. At Northfield Academy, the programme has given pupils the chance to try the game, develop new skills and become part of a team, while providing support and opportunities that reach beyond rugby itself. 

Rugby can provide a positive environment for young people to build confidence, form friendships and develop a sense of belonging. Through regular activity and engagement with coaches and school staff, the programme has also supported wellbeing and helped strengthen pupils’ attendance and attainment at the school.

The work at Northfield forms part of a wider Scottish Rugby programme delivered through CashBack for Communities, a Scottish Government initiative which reinvests money into projects that create positive opportunities for young people. 

Across the three-year Phase 6 programme, Scottish Rugby engaged 5,343 young people, exceeding its target of 5,000. A further 532 young people joined local rugby clubs, while participants achieved 1,376 qualifications and contributed 5,847 hours of volunteering.  

Feedback from young people throughout highlighted improvements in confidence, wellbeing, relationships, behaviour and engagement with school. It demonstrates the important role rugby can play in helping young people develop, both as players and as individuals. 

As the CashBack programme reaches the end of its current phase, Scottish Rugby’s commitment to this work will continue through Beyond The Tryline, which will build on the experience and learning developed to continue supporting young people and communities. 

For some Northfield pupils, rugby has helped them find their place at school. One young person arrived without an established friendship group and struggled with confidence, attendance and feeling that he belonged. Through the combined support of his Crew teacher and the Development Officer Paul, he began building friendships, playing school and club rugby, and eventually supporting younger classes. He described the change simply: “It made me feel like I belonged and gave me a place to go after school.” A pupil who initially struggled to connect with others was becoming someone younger children could look up to, developing confidence through being trusted with responsibility.

Families have seen changes beyond the school gates too. Another pupil, who had struggled with confidence and behaviour, found positive friendships and a sense of pride through representing Aberdeenshire RFC. His mother described the difference: “He is now more focused, with a much better attitude at home. He takes his fitness seriously, eats well and has surrounded himself with a positive group of friends who support and encourage each other.” She also recognised that progress was ongoing: “I know S1a doesn’t always get it right, but he is now taking responsibility for his actions and has matured significantly.” Her account highlights the value of the relationships built around rugby, with school staff, coaches and family supporting the same young person. 

For a third pupil, who had been missing lessons and experiencing repeated exclusions, the starting point was an agreement to try rugby for six weeks. By April 2025, they had not missed a rugby session, even asking to return to school after a dentist appointment so they could take part. Staff reported improved school attendance, no exclusions since December 2024 and no behaviour referrals for two months. When injury prevented them from playing, they still attended a tournament to support their teammates. These experiences illustrate how consistent encouragement, trusted relationships and belonging to a team can help young people engage with school and recognise what they can contribute. 

The next step in that work is being supported by a £35,000 donation from The Wood Foundation, made through the new Lady Helen Wood Fund to the Scottish Rugby Foundation. 

The donation is one of the first significant grants from the new £2 million Lady Helen Wood Fund and will help support the continuation of community rugby opportunities. The Wood Foundation’s contribution reflects a shared commitment to creating positive opportunities for young people and helping communities benefit from the power of sport. 

The Scottish Rugby Foundation has been developed as an independent charitable fundraising organisation, separate from Scottish Rugby’s core operations but aligned with its wider ambitions for the game. Its purpose is to attract new investment to support grassroots rugby and community sport across Scotland, helping clubs, schools and young people access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. 

The Scottish Rugby Foundation will provide an additional means of supporting work such as Beyond The Tryline. 

Scottish Rugby President, Keith Wallace, said: “Seeing the work at Northfield Academy is a great reminder of what rugby can offer a community. Our great game gives young people somewhere to belong, the chance to build friendships and the confidence to take on new challenges. 

“Scottish Rugby has an important role to play in making sure the game is accessible to as many people as possible. Through CashBack, we have been able to work with schools and communities where opportunities to get involved in rugby might not otherwise have been available. The impact goes well beyond the pitch, and the work at Northfield is a shining example of that. The school is a very uplifting place.

“As we move into Beyond The Tryline, we want to build on what has been achieved and continue creating these rugby opportunities for young folks. I am hugely grateful to The Wood Foundation for its generous support through the Lady Helen Wood Fund. This contribution will help us take that work forward, and I look forward to seeing what the Scottish Rugby Foundation can achieve in the future.”

CEO of The Wood Foundation, Sarah Chew, said: “Sport can open up so many opportunities for young people, often in ways that go well beyond the game itself. It can help build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging, while giving young people the chance to discover what they’re capable of.

“We’re really pleased that the first award from the Lady Helen Wood Fund will support the Scottish Rugby Foundation and help build on the great work already happening at Northfield Academy. We hope this will mean more young people can experience the benefits of being involved in sport.”