<div>We wanted to share a bit of context about why we are reaching out, and what we hope to build here at UWC Atlantic.
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<div>This money is going to a personal account, which will be spent on items that will be donated to the school, as we don't want to tread on the toes of the wonderful PEP team who's main goal is raising money for scholarships
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<div>As students, we are always incredibly grateful when members of the wider community — alumni, families, local clubs, businesses, or anyone connected through rugby — are willing to offer guidance, advice, or practical support. Student-led projects like ours only grow when people are generous with their time, networks, and experience.
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<div>We are working hard to develop a mixed, inclusive, and sustainable touch rugby programme.
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<div>With students from over 90 countries, more than half on scholarships, we believe that sport is one of the best ways to bring people together, support wellbeing, manage stress, and connect with Wales’ strong rugby culture.
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<div>Right now, our biggest challenge is the lack of basic sporting infrastructure.
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<div>Here is what we are aiming to achieve:
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<div>1. Floodlights for the main pitch (our most urgent need)
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<div>Without floodlights, we cannot train in the evenings or throughout the dark winter months. This impacts rugby, football, hockey, and many other activities. Estimated cost: £6,000–£8,000.
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<div>2. Essential kit and equipment
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<div>Balls, bibs, cones, first aid supplies, uniforms, and secure storage — everything required to turn enthusiasm into a functioning, sustainable programme.
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<div>3. Links to leagues and clubs
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<div>We would be grateful for support connecting us with local touch rugby leagues, referees, fixtures, or anyone who could guide us into regular competition.
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<div>4. Our bigger dream: a refurbished AstroTurf
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<div>We have an old 1970s tennis court that would greatly benefit from an Astro resurfacing — suitable for tennis, hockey, and touch. A modern, safe surface would open opportunities for many more students and activities during wet Welsh winters.
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<div>5. A dedicated changing-room space
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<div>We would love to install a simple changing room — even a converted shipping container with benches, hooks, lighting, and heating. This would make a huge difference for students training in cold, wet weather and allow us to host visiting teams.
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<div>(This item would involve a different level of funding, separate from floodlights and equipment.)
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<div>Community Impact — Why This Matters Far Beyond the College
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<div>The local area has very few accessible sports opportunities for children and young people. We have a mixed Welsh–English community here, full of families who want more ways for their children to stay active and connected.
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<div>Recently, several refugee families have also moved into the area. They are rebuilding their lives and looking for ways to connect through school and sport. Many of them have younger children who would benefit enormously from having welcoming spaces to play.
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<div>This project would support:
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<li>Children from local families with limited access to sport
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<li>Newcomer families trying to build roots and community
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<li>Welsh students who live on site and want stronger local sporting links
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<li>Boys who are statistically more likely to disengage from school and need positive ways to build confidence and healthy routines
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<li>All young people who need safe, active ways to support their mental wellbeing
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<div>There is growing evidence that sport helps young people:
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<li>Switch off from their phones
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<li>Manage anxiety and stress
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<li>Feel part of something positive
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<li>Develop confidence and resilience
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<div>We believe these things are needed now more than ever.
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<div>Because we are a UWC, whatever we build will be shared with our local community. This is core to our mission. Our facilities are used collaboratively by students, local residents, young people from the surrounding villages, and families who want their children to feel included.
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<div>We are actively fundraising, and while money is not the only thing we are asking for, we are being open that financial support would be transformative. Raising £6,000–£8,000 would allow us to install floodlights and purchase essential kit immediately.
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<div>Additional support could help us work towards the AstroTurf and a changing-room container.
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<div>Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.
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Sheryl Tayal

Deri Hockley

Help UWC Atlantic get Touch Rugby going!

Still £1,641 to go. Help us build momentum.