British Airways is celebrating its ongoing partnership with England Rugby by launching a new sports fund, the British Airways Spaces for All Fund, dedicated to supporting grassroots rugby clubs over the next three years.
As the Official Airline Partner for the England Rugby teams, the flag carrier champions the growth of the sport from the ground up, with a particular focus on increasing uptake amongst women and girls. This is the airline’s first investment in sport and rugby at a grassroots level.
A joint initiative with England Rugby, the British Airways Spaces For All Fund will help local rugby clubs improve their social, event and outdoor facilities to welcome more people into rugby and create a welcoming environment that is more accessible and inclusive for women and girls. The number of registered female players has increased by 38% since the 2021/22 season, with England Rugby aiming to have 100,000 women and girls playing by 2027.
More than 30 clubs will benefit from the airline’s investment over the next three years, with Plymouth Albion RFC and Plymstock Oaks being the first two clubs to have been selected. Plymouth Albion RFC is set to renovate one of its social spaces to create a more welcoming environment for club events, player meals and off-pitch sessions. Plymstock Oaks will transform a space adjacent to the main pitch by upgrading existing facilities to improve access for players, families and visitors.
Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, said:
“We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with England Rugby over the past seven years, and the launch of our new sports fund marks an exciting new chapter."
“We know rugby is more than just a game, it’s a sport with deep British roots that brings people together through community, spirit and tradition. Through the British Airways Spaces For All Fund, we’re proud to support local clubs at the heart of communities and drive positive change for players, volunteers and fans alike. As a British Original, we’re passionate about championing uniqueness and originality in all forms and look forward to what’s in store this year.”
Alex Teasdale, Executive Director of Women's Game at England Rugby, said:
“We're delighted to partner with British Airways, who understand the things that really matter to our sport. The creation and launch of the British Airways Spaces for All Fund is something that will help community rugby clubs to keep moving the dial and offer enhanced experiences to all of their members. If anyone knows how to offer a warm and welcoming experience, it’s British Airways, and so we’re really looking forward to working with them and our clubs to make sure women and girls get the best possible experience.”
The announcement of the new fund comes just ahead of a busy summer of sport, with some of the biggest names in women’s sports taking to the global stage across rugby, tennis, cricket and football.
British Airways continues to fly the England Men’s and Red Roses teams around the world and supports them both on and off the pitch, as the Official Airline Partner.
