Strengthening community ties: Dragons RFC and Liberata
Throughout 2026, Liberata is the official School Intervention Partner for Dragons Rugby Football Club (RFC). The school intervention projects form part of the Dragons RFC community outreach programmes, with the specific aim of engaging with young people in school, those outside the mainstream education system, and those not in education, employment, or training.
The programme uses rugby as a pathway to provide inspiring opportunities that raise young people’s aspirations within the Dragons’ community. An especially important aspect of the programme is reaching out to youngsters who may be disenfranchised or experience challenges within mainstream education.
Mike Sage, Head of Community, Dragons RFC, said of our partnership:
“We are really enthused about working together with Liberata as a trusted partner to positively impact people’s lives within our secondary schools across Gwent. This partnership is based on our shared social values of inclusivity and inspiring positive community outcomes.”
School Intervention in action
As the School Intervention Partner, we are providing funding for several initiatives, including:
- Delivering engagement sessions for students identified as being in Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) or Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). The initial aim is to visit 26 secondary schools across Gwent, reaching approximately 300 students.
- Behind the scenes tour of the Dragons RFC’s Rodney Parade stadium is offered to all participating schools. It includes promotions of career opportunities.
- ‘Gift of Dragons Rugby’ match day tickets at Rodney Parade. These are rewards for students who show commitment and effort.
The community team at Dragons RFC recently worked with the Monmouthshire Pupil Referral Unit (PRU). The young people who attend the centre often face multiple difficulties in their education, home lives, and social lives. The team engaged with the students and met their practical, social, and emotional needs. The young people were extremely positive both during and after the visits and wanted to know when the next visit dates would be.
Lisa Jones, Centre Lead, at the Monmouthshire Pupil Referral Unit, said:
“The facility visit to Rodney Parade was a huge success. The young people were in awe of the facilities and took on board so much of the information shared that on returning to the [PRU] centre, those who had chosen not to come regretted missing out.
Having the support from Liberata to fund the programme was a fantastic and very welcome aid. Without their help, there were serious questions about my ability to fund the course”
The Dragons RFC community team working with the Monmouthshire PRU.
The sessions were so inspiring and impactful that staff from Dragons RFC and Monmouthshire PRU plan to continue them monthly for the remainder of the school year and throughout 2027.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Being able to participate in such projects and partner with fantastic organisations, like Dragons RFC, Liberata are thankful to be able to give to local communities in such an impactful and inspiring way.
Our aim in partnering with Dragons RFC is to deliver a sustainable, long-term impact for local communities in Cardiff and Newport areas. The partnership will focus on supporting pupils who have faced barriers and challenges, incorporating and aligning with Liberata values and social value priorities.
Of the partnership, Ruth Smith, Director of Middle Office and Automation Services, Liberata, said,
“I am delighted to announce our community partnership with Dragons RFC. This partnership and project resonate with our Liberata colleagues here in Cardiff, and we look forward to working together to further embed Liberata into our local community as an employer who makes a difference and delivers real impact through education, supporting skills and employment.”
We are also offering volunteering opportunities for Liberata staff across all Dragons RFC’s Corporate Social Responsibility award-winning activities. In April, launching the Liberata Virtual Work Experience Programme, which is open to all, including the schools currently working with the Dragons and Liberata.
