Newcastle Rugby Foundation is thrilled to announce Newcastle College as the official sponsor of its CAST programme for the 2024/25 season.

This renewed partnership was unveiled during the Newcastle Falcons’ match against Saracens on Friday November 29, marking a new chapter in their shared mission to create lasting community impact and foster youth development.

The CAST programme is a nationally-acclaimed initiative promoting volunteering and social inclusion. Its mission is to empower individuals by nurturing social skills, improving mental and physical well-being, and fostering community engagement.

By offering diverse volunteering opportunities, the CAST programme positively impacts individuals from various backgrounds, helping to build stronger, more connected communities.

This sponsorship strengthens the longstanding relationship between Newcastle Rugby Foundation and Newcastle College, which already collaborates on the successful HITZ programme.

The HITZ initiative provides students in sports and protective services courses with hands-on experience and life skills, preparing them for future career opportunities while contributing to their communities.

Over the past year, 15 HITZ students have actively contributed to the CAST programme, gaining invaluable skills such as confidence, communication and teamwork. Their involvement not only enhances their personal and academic development, but also expands the Foundation’s capacity to support vulnerable groups across the region.

Jon Ridley, principal of Newcastle College, attended the Saracens match to officially renew the partnership. He said: “Newcastle College sits at the heart of the North East community, and our partnership with the Newcastle Rugby Foundation is an important part of that.

“The CAST programme is a truly transformative initiative that not only supports the local community, but provides our students with unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our continued sponsorship cements our commitment to supporting our community through the power of sport and education, and I look forward to strengthening our relationship with the Newcastle Rugby Foundation further this year.”

David Wilson, a CAST volunteer, HITZ mentor, and Newcastle Rugby Foundation employee, shared his transformative journey, saying: “Joining The Cast was an unexpected and, as it turned out, a life-changing experience.

“Realising that isolation and loneliness were affecting me, I volunteered at the Rugby League World Cup. A month later, in November 2022, a chance social media message introduced me to The Cast. Within minutes, I knew I had found my tribe and many missing pieces of my life.”

David’s involvement with CAST sparked his passion for teaching and mentoring. By February 2023, he was mentoring learners on the HITZ programme, helping young people develop skills and confidence.

Reflecting on the experience, David said: “The Hitz programme is pure magic. The impacts on young people are nothing short of miraculous—they become more confident, develop powerful people skills and create positive changes in the lives of those around them. I wanted to make a difference, but the young people made the difference to me.”

By February 2024, his journey came full circle as he joined the Newcastle Rugby Foundation’s Futures programme, inspired by the community and personal growth he had experienced.

Through this sponsorship, Newcastle College will work closely with the Newcastle Rugby Foundation to expand the reach of the CAST programme, creating new opportunities for students and volunteers alike. This partnership underscores their shared dedication to empowering young people, fostering inclusivity and shaping a brighter future for the North East community.

Newcastle Rugby Foundation and Newcastle College are excited to continue their impactful collaboration, building a legacy of personal growth, meaningful connections, and community service.

For more information about the CAST and HITZ programmes, email david.shotton@newcastle-falcons.co.uk.