Community sport scheme changing the lives of Coventry’s most disadvantaged children
Hundreds of families in Coventry to benefit from Coventry Rugby's 'Project 500' during the summer holidays
A popular community scheme, which aims to support Coventry’s most disadvantaged children through rugby and sport, is back for the summer.
Project 500 was kickstarted by Coventry Rugby Club to provide children across the city with the chance to come together in the summer holidays and learn through varied sports activities.
Launched in 2019, Project 500 was originally set up to help 500 children aged under 16 and their families.
The project was particularly aimed at children receiving free school meals, refugees and young carers.
Since its launch, Project 500 has continued to expand, feeding more than 6,000 children in the city, delivering more than 250 food parcels and hosting 125 days of programmes.
Official figures show that around 40 per cent of children in Coventry are living in poverty with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation saying some families with two adults and two children would need at least an extra £12,800 a year just to even reach the breadline.
Also, a poll by Child Poverty Action Group highlighted the problem of children across the UK being priced out of schooling, with parents unable to keep up with the rising costs of school uniforms, transport and trips.
Jon Sharp, Owner and Executive Chairman of Coventry Rugby Club, said: “School holidays in particular can be a really worrying time for parents in Coventry.
"There are too many families on our doorsteps losing sleep over how they are going to manage to feed their children three healthy meals a day over the long summer holidays – not to mention keeping them entertained and mentally stimulated with various trips, excursions and activities during those weeks.”
Coventry Rugby’s CEO, Nick Johnston added: “Project 500 has been a huge success in helping to address these issues.
"As well as allowing the children to learn through sport, build their confidence and build new friendships they are having fun out in the fresh air, getting plenty of exercise, learning new skills and eating nutritious meals every day.”