Tesco shoppers in Croydon support ‘Let’s Play Rugby Croydon’: empowering local young people through rugby

Tesco shoppers are providing vital funding to the ‘Let’s Play Rugby Croydon’ initiative, a Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation project aimed at giving local children the opportunity to experience the sport of rugby and its ethos of support and tolerance.

Thanks to a Stronger Starts donation of £1,500, the supermarket is helping to deliver this inclusive programme, enabling children from disadvantaged neighborhoods to engage in positive, team-oriented activity.

The ‘Let’s Play Rugby Croydon’ initiative focuses on introducing children to sport who might not otherwise have the opportunity, promoting physical activity, teamwork and resilience. The project is particularly crucial in an area where young people often face significant challenges, including a high incidence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). These challenges can severely affect their educational and employment prospects and make them vulnerable to negative influences.

Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Let’s Play Rugby Croydon initiative. This project aligns perfectly with our commitment to support local communities and provide young people with positive outlets for growth and development. We hope that this partnership will have a significant impact on the lives of these children.”

Tom Lowe, spokesman for the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation, added: “Our aim with ‘Let’s Play Rugby Croydon’ is to provide a safe and supportive environment where children can learn not just the sport of rugby but also life skills invaluable such as teamwork, discipline and respect. Thanks to Tesco’s generous donation, we can reach more children and give them the chance to be part of something positive and responsible.”

The £1,500 donation from Tesco will be used to cover essential costs such as equipment and facilities, ensuring the program is accessible to as many children as possible. This support is vital to providing a structured, inclusive environment in which young people can thrive.

Since Tesco launched its Community Grants program in 2016, more than £100m has been awarded to more than 50,000 schools and local community groups. The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation was one of three groups selected for the Tesco Stronger Starts blue symbol vote, which ended at the end of March 2024.

Schools and children’s groups interested in applying for a grant can do so through Groundwork by visiting www.tescoplc.com/strongerstarts. Successful applications will be put to the vote in local Tesco stores, where customers decide which projects to support with their blue tokens.

For more information about the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation and “Let’s Play Rugby Croydon”, visit www.mattratanafoundation.org.

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