Our young people were given the opportunity of a lifetime as they stepped onto the pitch at Allianz Stadium during half-time of the PREM Rugby Final, thanks to our partnership with PREM Rugby through Project Rugby.

Representing Bath Rugby Foundation alongside other PREM Rugby club foundations from across the country, pupils from one of our local SEND schools took part in a touch rugby festival on the same pitch where the season's biggest match had just unfolded. They were also joined by young people from our Engage pathway, making it a truly memorable day that celebrated the power of rugby to inspire, connect and build confidence.

For many of the young people, it was their first time visiting a major stadium, playing on a professional rugby pitch and watching a live PREM Rugby match. They experienced an unforgettable final between Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs before creating memories of their own by taking to the field in front of thousands of supporters.

The opportunity was made possible through Project Rugby, PREM Rugby's flagship participation programme, which aims to make rugby more accessible for everyone. At Bath Rugby Foundation, we deliver Project Rugby sessions through our Schools Partnership programme - the first step on our pathway of support - introducing children and young people to the game in an inclusive, supportive environment.

Schools Partnership works with schools across our community to use sport as a vehicle for developing confidence, resilience, teamwork and communication. By delivering Project Rugby sessions within schools, we are able to remove barriers to participation and create opportunities that many young people may never otherwise experience.

Events like the PREM Rugby Final demonstrate how these opportunities can inspire young people to see what is possible, both on and off the pitch.

The day was particularly significant for one of our Engage students, RC, whose journey with Bath Rugby Foundation is a powerful example of the lasting impact these experiences can have.

Engage is the second step on our pathway of support, helping young people who have become disengaged from education rebuild their confidence and successfully return to mainstream learning. After taking part in the half-time festival at Allianz Stadium, RC returned home with a new ambition - to continue playing rugby beyond our sessions.

Inspired by the experience of playing on one of the country's biggest rugby stages and watching the PREM Rugby Final live, RC has since decided to join his local community rugby club, taking the next step in a journey that began through Bath Rugby Foundation.

His story highlights exactly why Project Rugby is so important. By providing accessible opportunities within schools and creating unforgettable experiences like the PREM Rugby Final, we can inspire young people to discover new passions, grow in confidence and build positive futures.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to experience the opportunities that sport can provide. Thanks to PREM Rugby and Project Rugby, our young people were able to create memories that will stay with them for years to come - and for some, like RC, it marks the beginning of a lifelong connection with the game.