The Atlas Foundation's England star* Scheme: Using Grassroots Rugby to Address Adverse Childhood Experiences

Associated Press

07-02-2025

02/07/2025, Cheltenham GL51 4GA // PRODIGY: Feature Story //
The Atlas Foundation, a global children's charity based in the UK and supporting communities around the world, has launched a partnership with star* Scheme, a charitable organisation with the shared aim of transforming the lives of children who are facing or have faced multiple adverse experiences.
Launched by rugby great Jason Leonard, OBE, the charity collaborates with other charities, schools and community enterprises domestically and internationally, using the medium of sport to enhance access to opportunity, education, healthcare and aspiration.
The Atlas Foundation's Work With star* Scheme England
As one of multiple current projects and initiatives undertaken or supported by The Atlas Foundation, the star* Scheme has consistent missions and objectives. Both charities leverage the power of sport and shared experience to support disadvantaged young people—in this case, those living in England.
It focuses on young people who have been exposed to multiple adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, delivering tailored interventions to help children dealing with social, emotional and psychological challenges owing to hardships, including violence, bereavement, coercion and trauma.
The partnership is using experienced regional managers and dialogues with schools and local rugby clubs to identify children who would benefit from support and ensure clubs and schools have the requisite training, support, and finances to create safe, nurturing environments and introduce outreach projects within their communities.
Outcomes of star* Scheme England's Rugby-Based Initiatives
Importantly, the solution identified by The Atlas Foundation and star* Scheme is to use preventative measures to protect the well-being of children and provide empowerment and opportunity as a pathway towards positive improvement, including:
The latest available impact reports identify that star* is now working alongside eight of ten Premiership Rugby teams, nine of 14 Premiership regions, and 94 grassroots clubs, with many more expected to launch their own localised schemes in the near future.
Current data shows that the project has thus far delivered an average 200% improvement in measurable achievements outlined within Player Development Plans and that children supported by star* have achieved an average 78% attendance of clubs, training sessions and other activities, matching that of non-star* players.
Longer-term impacts are intended to counteract the damaging effects of ACEs in children, advance research into the benefits of early intervention through sports and engage with children and empower them to provide input and guide ongoing enhancements to the scheme.
The Vital Importance of Community-Led Initiatives to Support Disadvantaged Children
Peter Scott, General Manager of the foundation, says, 'Our work with star* is profoundly important. We are creating tangible, strategic, and data-backed programs to support children living with disadvantages, determine where inequalities exist, and identify how best we can effect practical, sustainable change.
Some of the many excerpts from families supported through star* at numerous grassroots rugby clubs talk about a sense of community and pride, helping struggling children build communication and confidence, giving them the tools to manage aggression and anxiety, and being able to commit to being part of a regular team, with all the transformative impacts this has on overall behaviour and mental well-being.
For many, star* isn't solely about joining a club or having a coaching team and mentors who will act as positive influences for children. It's about feeling supported, with everything from kit and club subscriptions to healthy food, transport, and being able to participate in tours and tournaments.
We are delighted to continue working alongside star* to reach our common goals and would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to the 1,300+ volunteers who make this work possible, as well as the clubs, mentors, and colleagues who have gone the extra mile to seek the right help and assistance for children who have experienced trauma, loss, and other adversities.'
The History of star* Scheme and The Atlas Foundation
The Atlas Foundation was founded in 2014 and, in the interim years, has launched 47 local partnerships and supported over 219,203 children in 21 countries, of whom 78% come from a minority background. 95% of children supported have gone on to graduate school, and 88% of the charity's partners are now supplying clean water and nutritious food.
star* Scheme began at Chew Valley Rugby Club in 2020, following a discussion about how members could positively impact the lives of children in the area. It has since expanded rapidly, forming partnerships with ruby schemes and clubs, businesses, organisations, and fellow charities like The Atlas Foundation.
About The Atlas Foundation
Founded by rugby legend Jason Leonard OBE, The Atlas Foundation uses rugby as a tool to improve the lives of children in disadvantaged communities around the world. By partnering with local organisations, The Atlas Foundation provides educational, health, and social development opportunities to help children thrive.
Founded by rugby legend Jason Leonard OBE, The Atlas Foundation uses rugby as a tool to improve the lives of children in disadvantaged communities around the world. By partnering with local organisations, The Atlas Foundation provides educational, health, and social development opportunities to help children thrive.
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