Maddy’s Mark enables a new season of Project 500
Bedford Blues Foundation and Maddy’s Mark launch a new academic year of Project 500, using rugby to help girls get active, build confidence and support their mental wellbeing.
Project 500 is returning for a new academic year with a clear goal: to introduce another 500 girls across Bedfordshire to rugby while promoting the importance of positive mental wellbeing.
Delivered by Bedford Blues Foundation and funded by Maddy’s Mark, Project 500 takes rugby directly into secondary schools, giving girls the opportunity to experience the sport in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Coaching is delivered by professional coaches and players from Bedford Blues Foundation, alongside wellbeing-focused activity designed to highlight the benefits of being physically active.
At the heart of Project 500 is the belief that rugby can offer much more than physical activity.
Maddy’s Mark, established in memory of passionate young rugby player Maddy Lawrence, champions the values of kindness, courage and community. Through its funding of Project 500, the charity is helping to use rugby proactively as a tool to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of girls and young women.
This academic year, the programme will once again combine accessible rugby coaching with conversations and activities around wellbeing, creating opportunities for girls to develop confidence, connect with others and discover the positive impact that sport and physical activity can have on their lives.
Daisy D'Onofrio, Senior Delivery and Development Officer at Bedford Blues Foundation, said:
“We’re incredibly excited to launch another year of Project 500 alongside Maddy’s Mark. Our ambition is to give another 500 girls the opportunity to experience rugby, while showing how being active, connecting with others and trying something new can support positive mental wellbeing.
“We’re hugely grateful to Maddy’s Mark for making the programme possible and sharing our belief in the positive impact rugby can have on young people both on and off the pitch.”
Bedford Blues Foundation would also like to thank Haines Watts for their valued support of Project 500, helping to make the programme possible and enabling the Foundation to reach even more girls across Bedfordshire through rugby and positive wellbeing activity.
Project 500 was originally launched by Maddy’s Mark and Bedford Blues Foundation with the ambitious target of getting 500 girls playing rugby, harnessing the momentum surrounding the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup to inspire a new generation of female players.
Now entering a new academic year, the partnership wants to build on that momentum and reach another 500 girls, ensuring more young people can access the physical, social and emotional benefits that taking part in rugby and physical activity can provide.
The programme will be available to secondary schools across Bedfordshire, with participating pupils receiving blocks of rugby coaching alongside wellbeing sessions. Where girls want to continue playing following their introduction to the sport, Project 500 will also promote links and exit routes into grassroots rugby clubs.
Register your school for Project 500
Secondary schools across Bedfordshire are encouraged to register their interest in taking part in Project 500 this academic year.
With the programme aiming to introduce another 500 girls to rugby, schools have the opportunity to give their pupils access to high-quality rugby coaching alongside sessions that promote positive mental wellbeing and the benefits of being physically active.
Spaces on the programme are limited, so schools interested in taking part are encouraged to register their interest as soon as possible to avoid missing out.