Why Charity Matters to Our Channel

When we began developing the idea for the Grassroots Rugby Meat Pies channel, the initial aim was straightforward. We wanted to create a platform that celebrates the very best of grassroots rugby — the brilliant tries, the players, the clubs and the moments that make the amateur game so special.

But very quickly it became clear that this project had the potential to be something more.

Grassroots rugby has always been about far more than what happens on the pitch. At its heart, the game is about community. Rugby clubs are places where people look after each other, where friendships are formed and where support networks exist far beyond the eighty minutes played on a Saturday afternoon.

If we were creating a platform built around that community, then it felt important that the project should also give something back.

This idea is not new to us.

Around ten years ago we began working together on rugby initiatives that had a purpose beyond the game itself. We created and ran a charity rugby programme which went on to raise more than £70,000 for good causes, bringing clubs, players and communities together in the way only rugby can. When COVID arrived, that project unfortunately came to an abrupt halt, like so many things connected to the game. But the desire to build something meaningful for rugby never went away.

In many ways, the charity element within this channel is a natural continuation of that journey.

From the beginning we wanted Grassroots Rugby Meat Pies to support causes that genuinely matter within the rugby community. That is why we are incredibly proud to support LooseHeadz as our charity partner.

LooseHeadz is widely recognised across the rugby world for the work it does raising awareness around mental health and encouraging open conversations within clubs and teams. Their mission — using rugby as a vehicle to support mental wellbeing — is something that aligns closely with the spirit of the grassroots game.

A Word from LooseHeadz

[Space reserved for comment from Rob Shotton, Co-Founder of LooseHeadz]

“We’re hugely excited to see the launch of the Grassroots Rugby Meat Pies channel and what it represents for the amateur game. Platforms that celebrate grassroots rugby while also supporting the wellbeing of the rugby community are incredibly important.

It’s brilliant to see initiatives like this helping to shine a light on the grassroots game while also backing charities like LooseHeadz that are working to make rugby a safe, supportive and open environment for everyone involved.”

Rugby clubs are places where people support one another. Where teammates check in on each other. Where conversations happen naturally and where community genuinely matters.

Our aim is that over time this channel becomes more than simply a place to watch great rugby moments. We hope it grows into a platform where the grassroots rugby community can also come together to support meaningful causes.

Whether that involves fundraising campaigns, charity events or initiatives supporting LooseHeadz, the ambition is to build a community that not only celebrates the game, but also uses the strength of the rugby network to do something positive.

Because grassroots rugby has always been about more than just the game.

It is about people.

It is about community.

And when the rugby family comes together, it has the power to achieve some remarkable things.

By Bob Barnes