Rugby, Resilience & Remembering Maddy – A New Partnership to Change Lives
Newcastle Rugby Foundation (NRF), the official Charity of Newcastle Red Bulls, is proud to announce a new partnership with Maddy’s Mark.
Together, NRF and Maddy’s Mark will launch a transformative new rugby and wellbeing programme for girls aged 9–13 across the North East, designed to improve body confidence, resilience, and self-esteem through the power of rugby.
The programme will reach up to 500 girls across 40 classes, with delivery in both primary (Years 5–6) and secondary schools (Years 7–9) across Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Gateshead, and Sunderland.
Led by the Foundation’s experienced female community development officers, the initiative blends rugby participation with structured mental-wellbeing sessions over 5–6 weeks. Each 45–60 minute session includes interactive challenges that build confidence and teamwork while encouraging girls to think differently about their bodies, their strengths and their place in sport.
Beyond the classroom, the programme will strengthen links between schools and local rugby clubs, helping more girls continue their rugby journey and experience the confidence, connection and belonging that come with being part of a team.
Both organisations share a clear mission: to use rugby as a platform for positive mental health, inclusion and empowerment.
“This partnership is about more than rugby,” said Melanie Magee, CEO at Newcastle Rugby Foundation. “It’s about giving girls the tools to be confident, resilient and proud of who they are. Through Maddy’s Mark, we’re honouring a young woman whose spirit truly represents what rugby is all about; community, courage and kindness.”
Simon, Maddy‘s father, added: “Maddy’s Mark and Newcastle Rugby Foundation are teaming up to champion courage, community, and the next generation of game-changers. All our thanks to Newcastle for their amazing work.”
