Young people from across Wiltshire have a try-mendous time at Bath Rugby

On Sunday 2 February, 22 young people from Salisbury and Trowbridge were at The Recreation Ground, home of Bath Rugby Club for their match with Bedford Blues. The children, who enjoy the council's weekly Doorstep Sports Club sessions, were given a unique pitch side experience, forming a guard of honour as the players took to the pitch in front of thousands of fans.  

After the event, one of the children's parents commented, Thank you for organising such an incredible experience! As a family of rugby fans, our son absolutely loved it and is now eager to join us at games and explore more opportunities in rugby, which is amazing!

The Doorstep Sports Club initiative has been supported by Wiltshire Council for over a decade and was formed in partnership with national charity StreetGames. It provides free, accessible opportunities for young people to take part in regular physical activity within their local communities.  

The term-time clubs support young people aged 8+, with an emphasis on inclusion, and encourages those over 16 to take on leadership roles during the sessions. The programme currently operates in Bemerton Heath in Salisbury, Studley Green in Trowbridge and Queens in Chippenham.  Due to the growing demand for the sessions, plans are being developed to expand the sessions across Wiltshire. 

The event also marks the start of a new partnership between the council and the Bath Rugby Foundation, a charity that shares its commitment to increasing sports participation among young people facing significant challenges. This collaboration has introduced experienced coaches to Doorstep Sports Club sessions, equipping participants with new skills, positive role models and pathways into sporting opportunities. 

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities, Leisure and Libraries, said, We are proud to support the Doorstep Sports Club Initiative and to be able to take young people to events such as these. The children enjoyed a unique experience with memories that they can cherish for a long time. Our aim is to empower them to build their own lasting, positive relationships with sport and physical activity. 

By working in partnership with Bath Rugby Foundation we hope to help young people develop essential life skills, build resilience, and instil confidence in them through meaningful sporting opportunities - a key business plan priority for us as a council. 

Thank you to all the partners who make these vital sessions possible: Bath Rugby Foundation, District Sports, and Active Trowbridge. Their commitment ensures that sport remains accessible, inclusive, and engaging for all. A special thank you also goes to the dedicated volunteers at Rise:61, Doorway, and Amber Foundation, whose passion and commitment enrich every session. 

We look forward to growing the Doorstep sessions across Wiltshire over the coming year.

Alex Randall, Community & Operations Manager at Bath Rugby Foundation, said, The partnership between Bath Rugby Foundation and Wiltshire Council plays a crucial role in providing Doorstep Clubs across Wiltshire, offering free, accessible sports activities for children and young people. These clubs give young people the opportunity to engage in physical activity, build confidence, and develop vital social skills in a safe and supportive environment.  

By working together, Bath Rugby Foundation and Wiltshire Council help address the barriers to participation, promoting health, well-being, and a sense of community among local youth. This collaboration is especially valuable in reaching those who might otherwise face challenges accessing structured sports programmes.  

On Sunday 2 February, the partnership celebrated its young people, by inviting these children to Bath Rugby vs. Bedford Blues, for a matchday activation experience, which created magical moments for them.  

The event at Bath Rugby was also attended by Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Lucy Townsend, Wiltshire Council Chief Executive, Parvis Khansari, Corporate Director for Place, and David Redfern, Director of Leisure, Culture and Communities. 

For more information on Doorstep Sports Clubs or to get involved, please visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-activities-for-young-people or contact Community Sport and Well-being Officer, Lauren Park, at lauren.park@wiltshire.gov.uk.