Northampton Saints are helping to shape the future of grassroots rugby by backing the next generation of leaders, coaches, referees, and volunteers at Peterborough RFC, one of our affiliate clubs.
This season, Saints’ community team have assisted in launching and supporting Peterborough’s brand-new Leadership Development Pathway (LDP) – an initiative designed to empower young people through rugby and equip them with skills that reach far beyond the game.
The LDP programme helps rising stars aged between 13 and 18 to develop confidence, communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities through structured coaching and refereeing opportunities – all while fulfilling vital volunteer roles within their local rugby club.
With support from Saints’ Rugby Development Officer for Cambridgeshire, Ben Scully, the 18-strong cohort at Peterborough has not only grown in personal and rugby-specific skills, but also played an essential role in helping to staff the Club’s community and rugby sessions.
“We wanted to create a programme that would support the young people at the Club in other ways outside of just playing the sport, as well as giving back to the Club by fulfilling their volunteering hours,” said Zoe Dean, founder of the LDP and Saints’ ambassador at Peterborough RFC.
“The programme has been a huge success this season, and we are so happy with the development of the cohort, as well as the support the Club and Northampton Saints have given them.”
To celebrate their achievements, the group visited cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on Thursday 29 May – where they enjoyed a behind-the-scenes stadium tour and watched a Saints training session up close.
“Through our partnership with Peterborough RFC as part of our Affiliate Club Scheme, we’ve been able to support the LDP with coach development and mentoring,” added Ben Lawrence, Community Manager at Northampton Saints.
“The programme has proved a huge success and we were thrilled to welcome the group to the Gardens to celebrate all their hard work.”
Ben Lawrence, Community Manager at Northampton Saints
“We’re now looking at how we can help Peterborough RFC grow the programme next season – and we truly believe this could be a model for other clubs looking to develop their own young leaders.
“Northampton Saints remain committed to supporting community clubs across the region, and initiatives like the LDP highlight the impact rugby can have far beyond the white lines of the pitch.”
