Northampton Saints Foundation empowers girls with rugby and mental health sessions
In‑school workshops helping girls strengthen both physical and emotional wellbeing
Last updated 14th Feb 2026
The Northampton Saints Community and Foundation teams have launched a new programme in collaboration with Maddy's Mark charity which combines rugby coaching with mental health lessons for girls in Northamptonshire schools.
The project is working with girls aged 10 to 13 and aims to break gender stereotypes associated with rugby while also addressing the mental health challenges faced during school transitions.
Youth Counsellor, Dawn Bere, from the Foundation shared that importance of working with girls to help overcome any misconception's or stereotypes about rugby being a predominantly male sport.
Bere explained when the sessions first launched, many girls were shy, unsure why the coaches were there, and hesitant about taking part in rugby. But said that this quickly turned into ''high fiving'' the teachers and asking what the days agenda is.
The programme consists of a six-week course with weekly two-hour sessions, including one hour dedicated to rugby training led by community rugby coaches, and another hour focusing on mental health education provided by experts from the Foundation.
Bere said one of the nicest changes has been seeing different school classes bond. “What’s really lovely is that because it’s just focused on girls, they bring two classes together,” she said. “At the very beginning there was a real divide – they stuck to their own class and didn’t mix.”
Now, she says, the girls move between groups, form new friendships, and recognise each other’s strengths on the pitch. Bere also shared that the feedback from teachers has been positive.
She added: We've had a couple of emails from them teachers to say the girls are really enjoying it - they look forward to it every week.''
Bere emphasised the inclusivity of rugby, noting its team-oriented nature that accommodates all shapes and sizes and fosters camaraderie among participants.
“It is for everybody. It’s for all shapes and sizes. It's not a one-size-fits-all...it really is such an inclusive sport.” She said.
The next round of sessions is set to start after half term at Abbey Field Secondary School as the Foundation aims to extend the project's reach to over 200 young girls.
To find out more about The Northampton Saints Foundation visit www.northamptonsaintsfoundation.org