For most sport is just a pastime, for some it’s a passion but for a few it can make a truly life changing impact far beyond the confines of its playing or watching. This is where Dallaglio RugbyWorks comes in, a charity that uses sports core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment and discipline to help young people that have left education and need the skills and attitudes to move into employment or training.

In 2024, Dallaglio RugbyWorks ran 18 evening and employability sessions, in the B19 postcode of Birmingham, an area that suffers significant challenges and high levels of deprivation.  They worked with 35 local young people with the goal of helping them develop skills and raise their aspirations.

Over 16 weeks, these sessions focused on teamwork and communication, a natural fit with the physical and mental benefits of sport. All young people who attended had access to mentoring from accredited coaches, covering employability, career guidance, and mental well-being. To further broaden their career horizons, they organised three taster local employers. The results on the attendees were significant, with many now feeling more more confident about their future. 

This project was made possible by a grant from the Community Matters Fund (Future Skills) from National Grid Electricity Distribution delivered by Localgiving.

Since its launch in 2021, the Community Matters Fund, funded entirely by shareholders, has awarded £11.3m to 1,900 grassroots organisations. The award to Dallaglio RugbyWorks for their project in Birmingham was part of a £250k fund made available to the communities that National Grid Electricity Distribution serves. 

And we are immensely proud that this important partnership between Dallaglio RugbyWorks , National Grid and Localgiving has been recognised by the 2025 Charity Times Awards in being shortlisted for an award in the Corporate Community Local Involvement category.

This was an award which Localgiving, along with National Grid and Roshni Birmingham won in 2024, and were also shortlisted in 2023 for a project with Harbour Housing in Cornwall. 

All at Dallaglio RugbyWorks are proud to be nominated for this leading award, with Brittany Lewis, Programme Manager (Midlands & Wales) telling us: “It’s an honour to be shortlisted for the Charity Times Awards 2025 alongside National Grid and Localgiving for our Dallaglio RugbyWorks intervention in Birmingham’s B19 area. Through after-school sports and a strong focus on employability, we’re proud to be making a real difference in the lives of young people. It means a great deal to have our work recognised, and we’re incredibly grateful to both National Grid and Localgiving for their support in helping us create brighter futures for young people” 

On being again recognised by the Charity Times for their work in this area, Ellie Patey, Social Impact Business Partner, National Grid Electricity Distribution said: "I am delighted to see Dallaglio RugbyWorks shortlisted for an award in recognition of their exceptional work supporting young people in Birmingham with employability skills. Bolstered by the funding received from National Grid's Community Matters fund and support from Localgiving, it is amazing to see Dallaglio RugbyWorks’ commitment to empowering the next generation and the difference this project has had in the local area."

The grant was promoted, managed, and distributed by Localgiving who since 2012 has connected grassroots organisations with donations, fundraising and grants plus resources and support, helping thousands of UK community groups do amazing things every day.

Luke Upton, Head of Communications at Localgiving added: “The team here are absolutely delighted to see our hard work recognised by the Charity Times Awards judges. The project led by Dallaglio RugbyWorks has a genuine and measurable impact to many in Birmingham and we are proud to support National Grid in their funding of hundreds of projects like this through the Community Matters Fund. We are excited for the Awards evening and good luck to all the other fantastic projects and organisations shortlisted!”

The Charity Times Awards ( @CharityTimes ) return for the 26th year, they celebrate best practice in the UK charity and not-for-profit sector, with the winners announced on 25th September 2025 at the Awards Gala dinner, taking place at London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square.