The United Rugby Championship has launched a new ‘Take on Tomorrow’ programme which aims to use rugby as a tool for community impact and social change.
The ambition of the initiative is to inspire change through the power of rugby and provide a platform that recognises the impact that players and teams make away from the field of play.
As it comes to life, the Take on Tomorrow programme will oversee off-the-field projects aimed at engaging directly with communities across Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa.
A key focus will be on sharing the stories of players and teams who support causes that make meaningful connections to their communities and chosen charities.
A new content series, supported by Roc Nation, will launch in the coming days and weeks in addition to a bespoke youth programme led by the URC that will aim to celebrate foster unity, empathy and understanding.
Take on Tomorrow will also have an annual celebration that will see the introduction of two awards that recognise the off-the-field efforts of teams and players from the United Rugby Championship.
The Difference Maker Award: Presented to the player who has been recognised for outstanding commitment to a charitable or social cause.
The Community Champions/Impact Award: Presented to the team whose community programme has been recognised for its impact in their region/province.
In addition to the recognition, the winners of these awards will also receive funding from CVC Philanthropy to donate to their cause of a players choice or to invest in their team’s community programme.
“These are very positive first steps that we’re taking today with the launch of the Take on Tomorrow programme,” said URC CEO Martin Anayi.
“As part of our evolution into the United Rugby Championship, it was integral that our values align to our position as a league that welcomes different languages, cultures and nationalities and Take on Tomorrow will help us celebrate our diversity.”
“We are acutely aware of the fantastic community programmes that our clubs have established locally and the deserving causes that our players contribute to as well.”
“As a league, our mission is not only to complement those efforts with our own programme but to celebrate their successes across our platforms. We are really excited about launching the first project within the Take on Tomorrow programme and watching it grow over the coming years.”
Sport for Business Perspective
The power of sport lies not only in the physical wellbeing of players and the emotional engagement of supporters, but in the social good, it can affect. Recognising and shining a light on the activities that often take place away from the spotlight of the cameras will make the league, the teams and the players better. It will also encourage others to change lives. What could be more important than that?
The Take on Tomorrow Programme will be featured in our Sport for Social Good Events and Report taking place online and in-person later this month.
