Cornish Pirates launch new Foundation for Cornwall communities

A rugby ball does the same job whether it is passed between two professionals in front of a full stand or handed to a child who has never held one before. It teaches the same things either way, teamwork, respect, discipline, resilience. From this Sunday (20 September), the Cornish Pirates are putting that idea to work on a bigger scale than before.

A dedicated team, working alongside the club

The Cornish Pirates Foundation launches this Sunday at the club’s opening Champ Rugby fixture of the season. The Foundation will work alongside the Cornish Pirates to deliver structured programmes built around those four values, teamwork, respect, discipline and resilience, aimed at creating positive change for individuals and communities across the county.

Rather than replacing the work the club’s community team already does, the Foundation adds a dedicated team with its focus entirely on outcomes, widening the reach of programmes for young and old across the Duchy. One example given is the expansion of the Pirates’ nationally award-winning campaign encouraging young men to stand up for women and girls, calling out violence and abuse when they see it or hear it.

A night with a Lion, an England great and a familiar face

Through the season there will be events where proceeds go towards funding the Foundation. The next is a Cornish Pirates VIP event with former British and Irish Lion and Welsh international Shane Williams, joined by former England international Peter Winterbottom, and hosted by Nick Knowles. Tickets and event details are available here.

‘A landmark moment’ for the club

Cornish Pirates CEO Sally Pettipher said the launch marked a significant step for the club.

“This is a landmark moment, bringing a dedicated team with 100% focus on positive outcomes for our communities through the new Pirates Foundation,” Sally said. “I am grateful to the Foundation Board for their energy and expertise, and for their passion in benefiting young and old across the Duchy.”

Anyone wanting to support the work directly can donate to the Foundation here.

📷Dan Hiscocks of the Cornish Pirates with a young player. Credit: Harry Trump