Rugby, Resilience & Remembering Maddy – A New Partnership to Change Lives
Together Newcastle Rugby Foundation (NRF), the official Charity of Newcastle Red Bulls, and Maddy’s Mark have launched 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.
There have been 29 classes delivered to so far
With 976 girls have been delivered to 118 primary and 858 secondary school pupils 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 has strengthened 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.
With excellent and positive feedback from pupils
What does body confidence now mean to you after the lessons?
• I feel good about my body just the way it is.
• I am confident in who I am and how I look.
• I appreciate my body for what it can do, not just how it looks.
• I speak kindly and positively about myself.
• I accept myself and celebrate my differences.
• I feel comfortable and happy in my own skin.
• I don’t worry about what other people think of my body.
• I focus on the things I like about myself.
• I am proud of my body and who I am.
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.”
