Young Rugby Ambassadors
Empowering the Future of Rugby in Hampshire
Be Part of the Pilot Programme
Hampshire RFU is launching an exciting new initiative to give young players a stronger voice in shaping the future of our game. We’re looking for 4–5 clubs to take part in a pilot of the Young Rugby Ambassadors (YRA) Programme — and help us create a model that benefits every club across the county.
What Are Young Rugby Ambassadors?
Young Rugby Ambassadors (YRAs) are passionate young people, aged 14–21, who care about the game and want to make a positive impact on youth rugby in Hampshire. They act as a voice for young players in their clubs, helping to share ideas, feedback, and experiences that improve how rugby is delivered and enjoyed.
This programme offers young people a chance to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and represent their peers — while helping clubs strengthen their engagement with their youth members.
What Do Young Rugby Ambassadors Do?
As a Young Rugby Ambassador, participants will:
- Gather views and feedback from young players within their club
- Share insights and ideas to shape youth rugby in Hampshire
- Promote the positive values of rugby (TREDS) within their teams
- Support the planning and delivery of club and county events
- Take part in projects to improve the youth rugby experience
- Represent their club at county youth forums and workshops
Their role is about listening, sharing, and leading — helping make rugby more inclusive, enjoyable, and sustainable for everyone.
Why Should Clubs Get Involved?
We recognise the incredible work clubs do to engage and develop young people. This pilot is designed to optimise this impact, with clubs being able to build the programme around there resources. The Participating clubs in the pilot will gain:
- Stronger youth engagement – Give young players a sense of ownership, increasing retention and connection to the club.
- Leadership development – Build a pathway for young leaders who can support coaching, volunteering, and club events.
- Positive club culture – Encourage TREDS values and behaviours driven by young voices.
- County recognition and support – Be part of shaping a county-wide model for youth participation and receive guidance from Hampshire RFU throughout the pilot.
- Future-focused insight – Gain feedback and ideas directly from your players to help your club grow and adapt.
By taking part, your club will help shape a new generation of rugby ambassadors, young people who are proud to represent your badge and carry your values forward.
What Will Young People Gain?
For the young ambassadors themselves, this is an opportunity to:
- Develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
- Gain experience that supports education and career pathways (Duke of Edinburgh Award)
- Meet and collaborate with other young people across the county
- Make a tangible difference to the future of rugby in Hampshire
- Recognition through new kit
They’ll also receive ongoing support and recognition from their club and Hampshire RFU.
Next Steps – Shaping the Programme Together
The pilot clubs will play a key role in shaping how the Young Rugby Ambassador programme runs — ensuring it’s meaningful, manageable, and rewarding for young people and clubs alike.
Together, we’ll test and refine what works best, including:
- Club representation – Ambassadors attending committee or youth meetings to share player insights and ideas.
- Social media engagement – Helping clubs connect with young audiences, supporting recruitment and retention.
- Event involvement – Supporting and leading at festivals, matches, and community rugby days.
There are already fantastic examples across Hampshire of young people leading and supporting the game — this programme will build on that success, sharing best practice and creating a network of young rugby leaders for the future.
Get Involved in the Pilot
We’re seeking 4–5 clubs to join the pilot phase of the Young Rugby Ambassadors Programme in 2026.
Express your interest here.
