Shepherd Street Trust Grant Funds Mentoring & Rugby Programme at Broughton High School

Preston Grasshoppers Community Foundation is delighted to announce that the Shepherd Street Trust has awarded a grant to deliver its Mentoring and Rugby Programme at Broughton High School, Preston.

This targeted intervention programme is designed to support students at risk of exclusion or displaying signs of anti-social behaviour. Over 10 weeks, across two academic terms, small groups of young people will take part in weekly sessions that combine rugby-based activities with mentoring and life skills workshops.

Guided by experienced coaches and mentors, the sessions focus on rugby’s core values Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship using sport as a vehicle to develop confidence, communication skills, and resilience.

Workshop themes include:

• Communication and conflict resolution

• Physical health and mental wellbeing

• Team building and leadership

• Career awareness and ambition

• Life skills for independence

• Goal setting and motivation

Thanks to the grant from the Shepherd Street Trust, we can deliver high-quality workshops, monitor student progress, and work closely with school staff to ensure the programme achieves meaningful outcomes.

Jake Squirrell, Head of Foundation at Preston Grasshoppers Community Foundation, said: "This programme is about much more than rugby it’s about giving young people the skills and positive role models they need to make constructive choices and build better futures. We’re incredibly grateful to the Shepherd Street Trust for providing the grant that makes this possible."

The Shepherd Street Trust’s support directly aligns with its purpose of improving opportunities for young people, promoting education, and encouraging positive engagement within the community.