Advancing education and opportunity through Rugby

The Atlas Foundation’s efforts to improve opportunities and lives for children across the globe are commendable. A newer project we have undertaken is, of course, TackleLondon.

TackleLondon has generated a special opportunity to aid children across London boroughs. Working with children who have experienced ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), TackleLondon uses rugby to teach children a sense of belonging, teamwork and so much more. Hosted by schools and grassroots rugby clubs, the programmes give these children a safe and inclusive environment where they feel they belong. Through their rugby 'family' children have access to an 'always available adult' in their coaches, which research has proven is essential in countering the negative consequences of multiple ACEs.

What’s interesting is these successes extend beyond the growing smiles we can see on the surface; TackleLondon’s work is backed by science to neurologically improve the children that attend. In a 2019 study, medical journals positively correlated children’s sport involvement with hippocampal volume in both boys and girls. I’m not sure about yourself, but that all sounds a little complicated to me, so I’ll translate; these findings show a potential neural mechanism for the impact of exercise on the developing brain.

There is much to understand and learn about children’s brain development and the impact of ACEs on them, but this study suggests that programmes such as TackleLondon have the potential to physically mend and develop neurons in the brain. That’s an impressive use of rugby.

As we look forward to September’s arrival, we’re excited for the start of a new academic year, wherein our school clubs will reopen, and we will once again gain access to positively impact children across London. In addition to this, hosted by Natasha Irons MP, TackleLondon will be holding an introductory event in the House of Commons on the 4^th of September. That evening, Tacklelondon will be introducing itself new a new plethora of influential guests and advocating for the benefits its programmes can bring. This night will feature first-hand evidence of the positive impacts TackleLondon is generating, as we are joined by a zoom call from the children who have benefited from the project. Furthermore, this provides a great opportunity to raise funds for TackleLondon’s important work.

Without your donations and interest, TackleLondon couldn’t exits, so we thank you whole heartedly for your patronage. Please continue to support us and donate today.

The Atlas Foundation exists to improve the lives and opportunities for some of the world's most disadvanataged children, using the power of rugby. We work with projects across the globe to tackle local issues that limit the chances for children to have a brighter future. Using rugby as a way to keep the children engaged and motivated, we focus on education, gender inequality, and health and wellbeing.

For our new project, TackleLondon, we have partnered with star* scheme, and The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation, to help young Londoners facing Adverse Childhood Expereinces (ACEs) and trauma. Children growing up with mutliple ACEs are far more likely to suffer from mental health problems, have trouble at school, and have fewer opportunities available to them. The young Londoners we support at TackleLondon often have multiple ACEs, such as suffering from abuse, neglect, or bullying, or have experienced trauma.

TackleLondon works in schools and grassroots rugby clubs to give these children a safe and inclusive environment where they feel they belong. Through their rugby 'family' children have access to an 'always available adult' in their coaches, which research has proven is essential in countering the negative consequences of multiple ACEs.

With your help, we can continue to help these children overcome the challenges they face, and give them better chances for their future. Please donate today to make a difference!