Bedford Blues Foundation Welcomes Haines Watts as Programme Partner for Project 500

The Bedford Blues Foundation is delighted to announce Haines Watts as the new Programme Partner for its ambitious Project 500 initiative, a transformative programme designed to introduce 500 girls across Bedford to the game of rugby.

Project 500 aims to inspire the next generation of female players by delivering coaching sessions directly into local secondary schools, breaking down barriers to participation and creating meaningful opportunities for young people to engage in sport. Since its launch, the programme has already reached hundreds of girls across the borough, helping to build confidence, teamwork, and a strong sense of inclusion.

The partnership with Haines Watts marks an exciting step forward for the Foundation, enabling the programme to expand its reach and impact even further within the local community.

Haines Watts, a Bedford-based business, has expressed strong alignment with the Foundation’s mission and values. In a statement, the company said:

“Haines Watts is proud to partner with the Bedford Blues Foundation because we share a commitment to making a positive and lasting impact within our local community. As a Bedford-based business, we believe it is important to support initiatives that create opportunities for young people, promote wellbeing, and encourage personal development through sport.

The Foundation's Project 500 programme particularly resonated with us. The initiative aims to introduce 500 girls across Bedford to rugby by taking coaching sessions into local secondary schools and inspiring participation in the sport. The programme has already engaged hundreds of young people and is helping to break down barriers to participation while promoting confidence, teamwork and inclusion.

We are especially proud to support a project that not only encourages greater involvement in women's and girls' sport but also reflects the values of kindness, courage and community that sit at the heart of the programme. Through our partnership, we hope to help the Foundation expand its reach, provide more coaching opportunities, and create even more inspiring experiences for local young people.

At Haines Watts, we believe successful businesses have a responsibility to give back to the communities they serve. Partnering with the Bedford Blues Foundation and supporting Project 500 allows us to invest directly in the future of Bedford, helping young people develop confidence, aspirations and life skills that will benefit them for years to come.”

The Bedford Blues Foundation is committed to using the power of sport to inspire, educate and support the local community. With the support of Haines Watts, Project 500 will continue to grow, creating lasting opportunities for young people and strengthening the future of women’s and girls’ rugby in Bedford.

This partnership reflects a shared vision of building a healthier, more inclusive community, one where every young person has the chance to thrive through sport.