Saints Foundation has seen a significant increase in the number of students being referred over the past 12 months, and prior to the pandemic were already investigating expansion opportunities.
Covid-19 has seen this demand grow even further, and in order to accommodate more of the most in need young people in Northamptonshire, we are pleased to confirm that the Engage Primary and Secondary programmes will move to a new location from September onwards.
We have been piloting operations from Old Northamptonians Rugby Club since January 2020 and have worked hard to develop a location that is independent from the Franklin’s Gardens site.
ON’s has brilliant indoor and outdoor access as well as being central to many of the external activity locations used by Saints Foundation’s programmes.
Saints Foundation has now secured a grant from Central England Co-operative to purchase new furniture and equipment, so Foundation staff will now be working during the summer to ready this in time for the start of term in September.
Pete Bason, from Old Northamptonians’ Executive Committee, said; “We are so pleased to be expanding our relationship with Northampton Saints Foundation by providing them with the space to expand their vital work supporting vulnerable young children.
“Of course this helps Old Northamptonians too, ensuring our facilities are being used during the week, and bringing in an income that we can reinvest into the club and grassroots sport, supporting even more young people in the process.”
“We are really excited about this development for our Engage Primary and Secondary programmes,” said Jordan Letts, Head of Northampton Saints Foundation.
“We think our students will benefit significantly from improved access to space and activities, meanwhile Saints Foundation are able to support more people across the two sites – Old Northamptonians and Franklin’s Gardens, where the HITZ and Engage Plus programmes will remain.”
