Every year Northampton Saints host residential rugby camps at Stowe to encourage and develop young talent for a unique rugby experience.
As it celebrates its tenth year a student and Northampton Saints fan, from the Foundation's Engage programme, has been generously funded a place by Paul Baines of Lead2innovation.
The camp, which the student would not have been able to attend if it wasn’t for the donation, offers children the chance to develop their understanding of rugby through a variety of activities and game situations.
Paul says “The Stowe camp donation is the Baines family’s way to say thank you to the Saints. By setting up this opportunity, we want to give a young person the chance to experience a challenging and rewarding environment that comes from the Stowe camp. We have committed to offer this place for the next 10 years, setting a legacy that will enrich young people's lives”.
"Northampton Saints Foundation would like to personally thank Paul for his kind donation". says Jordan Letts, Head of Foundation and Social Inclusion Manager "The student in question came to the Foundation in 2020 after he was struggling in mainstream education. Since joining we have been working with him to develop a progression pathway and given him the best support, alongside our other students, to ensure he reaches his highest levels of personal achievement and to improve his life chances. We know he is very grateful for this kind offer and he is a huge Northampton Saints fan. He has had a brilliant time during the 5 days and has met many members of the Saints squad making memories to last a lifetime. We can't thank Paul enough for his incredible support. This is the second place which has been given to a Foundation student generously been funded by Paul".
The Engage programme is an advanced inclusion programme operating under the Northampton Saints Foundation which works with students aged between 10-16 to increase confidence and boost self-esteem. Engage, which was founded in 2015 with the support of Always a Chance, uses practical-based activities to empower students to see the positives in everyday life.
“The overall experience was amazing, whether it was the overwhelming support from all staff or the satisfying ache after a hard day's training. The highest quality of extreme care from the staff and students alike was put into absolutely everything to help everyone improve. It was amazing! You couldn’t help but improve in all aspects of the game. I have made lifelong memories from that incredible week away. Thank you very much".
Northampton Saints Foundation student