Southwark Tigers Rugby Club

Southwark Tigers Rugby Club is a UK-based nonprofit organization and registered charity (Charity number 1107439) dedicated to providing sporting opportunities, primarily rugby, to young people in the London Borough of Southwark. Established over 25 years ago, the club focuses on inclusivity and accessibility, offering free rugby sessions and promoting community engagement in a diverse urban environment.

Activities and Mission

The club's main activity revolves around rugby, but it also organizes fitness training, running, hockey, and holiday sports camps to broaden the athletic exposure of its participants. Southwark Tigers operates with a philosophy of "Rugby without Barriers," aiming to overcome the lack of accessible community sports clubs in inner London.

Training sessions are held every Sunday during the rugby season from 10:00 to 12:00 on the rugby astro turf at Burgess Park. The club is open to boys and girls aged 4 to 17, with teams spanning across all age groups. Beyond weekend sessions, Southwark Tigers offers after-school programs to local secondary schools, reaching approximately 650 pupils across 12 schools through partnerships such as with Big Yellow Storage.

For participants aged 13 and above seeking advanced training, the club runs the Central London Rugby Academy every Friday evening. Additionally, the club supports adult rugby with men's teams training twice a week and women’s and girls’ rugby fitness sessions held on Sunday mornings.

Community Impact

Southwark Tigers has become a vital community asset within inner London by providing equitable access to sports typically less available in urban settings. The club's initiatives enable young people, especially from underprivileged backgrounds, to engage in competitive and recreational sport without financial barriers.

The charity also offers training opportunities for parents and carers, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and support beyond the players themselves.

Recognition

In April 2024, Southwark Tigers Rugby Club was awarded the Community Leader at the Rugby Black List Awards held at Twickenham Stadium. The award recognizes the club's significant contribution to promoting rugby within the Black community and its role as an inclusive leader in grassroots rugby.

Organizational Structure and Finances

The charity is governed by three trustees and supported by 35 volunteers. For the financial year ending August 31, 2023, Southwark Tigers reported an income of £38,220 and expenditures of £52,518, reflecting ongoing investment in its community programs. Some trustees receive payments for services provided to the charity.

Summary

Southwark Tigers Rugby Club stands out as one of the most diverse and inclusive community rugby clubs in the UK, committed to providing free and accessible rugby opportunities for young people in Southwark and surrounding areas. Through continuous engagement with local schools and community groups, the club fosters sporting development, social inclusion, and community cohesion in an urban environment.

Note: Charity number 1107439

[1] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3998936/charity-overview [2] https://givingisgreat.org.uk/charitydetail/?regNo=1107439 [3] https://southwarktigers.com [4] https://localgiving.org/charity/SouthwarkTigers [5] https://southwarkrugbyrfc.jimdoweb.com