Northampton Saints players Ethan Waller and Courtney Lawes have pledged to use their platform to influence positive change for young people and spread awareness of Northampton Saints Foundation, as they become charity ambassadors.
Ethan Waller, below left, who will retire from professional rugby at the end of the 2023/2024 season after 124 appearances, returned to
Northampton from Worcester with a desire to give back and support the Foundation. Ethan has worked closely with young people on the Foundation’s education and social inclusion programmes and volunteered his time through activities, events and engagements. Ethan said
“The more I got involved with the Foundation over the last few years, the more I saw the work and the impact they had in the community,”
“After finding out it costs in excess of £500,000 this academic year, to keep the Foundation running, the more I knew I wanted to get involved as best I could.”
Courtney Lawes, who will leave Northampton Saints at the end of the 2023/2024 season to continue his career overseas with CA Brive in France, reached out to express his interest in becoming an ambassador. Having learned about the transformative work of the Foundation the Saints, England and Lions flanker hopes to help and inspire future generations in achieving their aspirations. He said:
“I want to be a role model and help people to understand that just because we’re really good at a specific thing and essentially a really small part of life, which is rugby, it doesn’t make me any better or different from anyone else. I’ve just worked really hard at this one thing, and you can do the same. Maybe it’s not rugby or something that will put you in the limelight, but it doesn’t matter, you can still make yourself proud, focussing on one thing and becoming as good as you can at it”.
Reflecting on the news, Catherine Deans, Managing Director at Northampton Saints Foundation, said:
“It’s an honour to welcome both Ethan and Courtney as ambassadors. They are incredibly humble and supportive individuals who, despite hanging up their Saints boots, are dedicated to staying involved to bring change and raise awareness for the real-life issues the Foundation advocates for.
“Our Foundation is committed to making a difference in our community and our ambition is to give every person the chance for a positive future. We’re working tirelessly on initiatives aimed at reducing those not in education, employment or training, supporting young people who are on the edge of exclusion or refusing school, to ensure they stay on the right path, and tackling the alarming waiting lists for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
“Additionally, we’re dedicated to addressing issues such as youth involvement in crime, gang culture, county lines and knife crime. We are actively working to improve the social, emotional, physical and mental health of young people in our local community.”
Ethan and Courtney will join ex-Saints player Tom Wood as ambassadors alongside programme Champions, Tom James and Jack Fleckney. With their support, the Foundation is confident in its ability to expand its reach and make an even greater positive impact on the lives of people in Northamptonshire and beyond.
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