Grassroots rugby initiative kicks crime into touch

Our dedicated anti-gang unit in Manchester has teamed up with a national children’s charity to support young people and guide them away from a life of crime and violence through engagement with grassroots rugby.

The partnership between our XCalibur Task Force and star* scheme aims to provide young people at risk of being involved in violence or harm with an engaging diversionary activity, inspirational role models, and a supportive community to help them build a positive future.

The star* scheme helps young people and families overcome the impact of childhood or community trauma by introducing them to grassroots rugby, working directly with local rugby clubs to create a positive environment that supports their wellbeing, celebrates their achievements, and empowers them to discover their potential and make better life choices.

Earlier this year, a young male of mixed English and Italian heritage who was on the periphery of crime and violence, was signposted to the scheme by DC William Smith, a dedicated rugby enthusiast and key driver of the initiative within GMP. With the support and guidance from the programme, the male has begun to transform his life in the last few weeks and has developed a passion for following and playing rugby - often alongside DC Smith. Playing together has not only strengthened their bond but has also fostered mutual respect and understanding, showcasing the impact of sport in building positive relationships within our communities.

To celebrate his achievement, the charity, with help from DC Smith, has arranged a once-in-a-lifetime experience: to meet the England and Italy international rugby teams at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday 9 March, ahead of their Six Nations fixture.

Speaking about his passion for the project, DC Smith said: “Working alongside star* scheme, we want the initiative to create safer communities by reducing levels of crime and violence, increasing social action, and improving the wellbeing of young people.

"We know that one of the best ways of preventing crime and anti-social behaviour amongst young people is early intervention and providing a positive environment and diversionary activities that enable them to develop and express themselves.

“I believe that access to sport and sporting opportunities changes lives and local communities for the better. The project has started to achieve this and has steadily begun to make a real difference.

“For me personally, it has been incredibly rewarding to witness the positive effects that the scheme is having on those who have been referred, and I am proud that GMP can continue to offer our support to the initiative, to watch it grow, and to keep changing young lives for the better."

Nicholas Garrick, Director of Strategy and Research of the star* scheme, said, "We are excited about this partnership and the transformative potential it holds. Rugby embodies teamwork, discipline, and resilience - values that resonate deeply with the young people we support. By offering them this extraordinary experience, we hope to inspire them to overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. 

“Thanks to the generous support of the Rugby Football Union and the Italian Rugby Federation, this young person will experience the thrill of their first-ever international rugby match at the Allianz Stadium, meeting players and witnessing the passion of the sport firsthand. We hope this unique experience and moment of connection with our sport, its values, and Italy will be a meaningful source of inspiration as they continue their journey of development and growth.”

Federazione Italiana Rugby President Andrea Duodo said: “Rugby truly has the ability to change lives, and all of us at Federazione Italiana Rugby strongly believe in the game’s core values as a great tool for positively forging characters. It was an obvious decision for us when star* scheme got in touch to invite this young Anglo-Italian to our Captain’s Run and enable him to experience the unparalleled atmosphere of international rugby, which we are sure will inspire him and encourage him to continue achieving his best in life.”

Steve Grainger, RFU Executive Director of Rugby Development, said, "One of the unique abilities of rugby is to provide not only a healthy sporting environment for individuals but also surround them with a supportive and family-like community. It's great to see the work the star* scheme has already done with RFU clubs in England, and we look forward to seeing them broaden the opportunities of even more young people in this country.”