The UK's STAR Scheme, which uses rugby to help disadvantaged children, has been named winners of the 2022 Rhino Grassroots Rugby Award.
The scheme seeks to make a material difference in the lives of young people who are suffering or have suffered adverse childhood experience, poverty or mental health issues by guiding and supporting them in embracing the positive values embodied by rugby as a team sport.
Shortlisted for the award in 2021, it has won in 2022 due to the progress made in expanding its activities and footprint across the UK, and judges felt they were the outstanding candidate for the award.
Managing director Christian Lang (pictured below, right) received the Rhino Trophy from Rhino CEO Reg Clark earlier this month.
Dan Wooler, chair and founder of the STAR scheme said: “We were delighted to be shortlisted for the Rhino Grassroots Rugby Award last year and to win it this year is a tremendous boost to all our staff and volunteers. We have had a great last 12 months and are very excited about the prospects for rolling out the hugely positive impact our programme can have on young people as far as we can within the context of staying true to our core values”
The Rhino Grassroots Rugby Award, now in its eighth year, recognises clubs, organisations and individuals globally who show the true spirit of rugby at community level.
Past Winners:
2015: TAG RUGBY TRUST (UK)
2016: KAMPUCHEA BALOPP (Cambodia)
2017: SKRUM (Eswatini/Swaziland)
2018: SHIBUYA INTERNATIONAL RUGBY CLUB (Japan)
2019: KHELO RUGBY (India)
2020: RICHMOND RUGBY (UK)
2021: UMRio (Brazil) & Rugby Gem (Kenya)