Bedford Blues Foundation has received recognition after being named Highly Commended in the Community Project of the Year Award at the Elior Champ Rugby Final.
Tackle LIFE was honoured during the final held on Sunday May 31 at Goldington Road, home of Bedford Blues, with the award presented by Elior Champ Rugby Chairman, Simon Gillham.
The recognition highlights the growing impact of Tackle LIFE across Bedfordshire, where it supports more than 250 children and young people. Through a combination of mentoring, targeted interventions and consistent engagement, the programme aims to help participants overcome barriers and successfully reintegrate into education.
Delivered by Bedford Blues Foundation, Tackle LIFE has become a cornerstone of community outreach, focusing on building resilience, confidence and positive life skills. Its work spans schools and local communities, offering tailored support to those most in need.
Head of Foundation, Tom Harwood said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive the award. I would like to thank the dedication of our staff, partners and participants who have contributed to the programme’s success. The award serves not only as recognition of past achievements, but also as motivation to expand its reach and deepen its impact.”
As community programmes continue to play a vital role within rugby, Tackle LIFE’s recognition reinforces the importance of sport as a vehicle for social change, supporting young people to thrive both on and off the field.
Tackle LIFE uses the power of sport and rugby’s core values to inspire young people who are disengaged from mainstream education, offering an opportunity to develop essential skills and support mental and physical wellbeing.
Through a series of workshops, practical activities and one to one support, each young person has the opportunity to develop confidence, resilience and communication skills, as well as support their own physical and mental wellbeing.
The flagship programme is delivered by professional coaches and staff who support the young people through their journey and ensure each participant is able to get the most out of each session.
Bedford Blues Foundation thank the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Bedford Borough Council, and The Gale Family Trust for their continued support funding Tackle LIFE, as well as delivery partners Blues Community and research partners the University of Bedfordshire.
As the foundation looks to take the project to even greater heights, there’s never been a better time for businesses to come on board and show their support for a project with real impactful, community-focused benefits.
A new Fundraising Manager, Autumn Rose Handscombe, has come on board at the charitable arm of Bedford’s premier sporting club, and she’d love to hear from anyone interested in backing young people and giving them a chance to engage with projects such as Tackle LIFE.
Contact autumn@bluesfoundation.org.uk to discuss the project specifically or learn about some of the other great work being done by the charity, or visit their website.
