Michael Whitfield

Michael joined the Atlas Board in January 2018. Michael founded Thomsons Online Benefits and adds value to a diverse portfolio of early stage technology businesses. He sits on the Board of a number of charities, that all help young people get on in life. He is also Chairman of Barnes RFC, father of five children, and also has a new grandson to keep him busy.

Latest

Tackle London. Creating Change for Young Londoners

Tackle London is a joint initiative between three charitable organisations: Star Scheme, The Atlas Foundation and The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation. Our goal is to use rugby as a means to improve the lives and experiences of young people in London and counter Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES).
Study Cat kicks off at Khelo!

Atlas is working with Study Cat to provide children at Khelo rugby with essential technology to improve their education. This programme is a game changer and is making education accessible for these children. With your continued support we can continue to provide more children with life changing opportunities like this!
Women’s Barbarians join The Atlas Foundation to inspire the next generation

The Women’s Barbarians joined The Atlas Foundation at Ocean View High School for a coaching day ahead of their South African test. The Baabaas and kids shared skills, stories and an unexpected lesson in hurling from their Irish contingent. The girls at Ocean View and Masiphumelele were inspired by the Baabaas and were exhilarated to spend some time with female rugby role models.
James' Story

When James joined Star* he was struggling in school, and was in Alternative Provision. The support James has from Star* has changed his life, helping to go back to mainstream school, and gain a 100% sports scholarship to a prestigious independent school!

Jason Leonard OBE

Former England prop, appeared for England 114 times plus 5 times for the British and Irish Lions, and won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. He was President of the RFU in 2015 and hosted the Rugby World Cup in England. As well as having a busy and successful corporate career, he is a prolific supporter of charities and has raised over £2M through his annual dinners for a number of rugby, youth and health charities. Jason founded Atlas and remains Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Lord Addington

Dominic Hubbard, 6th Baron Addington, is a British Peer who speaks in the House of Lords on Sport and Disability. He was a founder member and remains Captain of the Commons and Lords Rugby Football Union Club, playing as prop for the Parliamentary team.
Neil Blair

Neil joined the ATLAS Board in January 2018 and is Chairing the Atlas All Schools group. He is J.K. Rowling’s agent, Founding Partner of The Blair Partnership and Chairman of Pottermore. He is a keen rugby fan and Saracen’s supporter. Neil is involved in a number of charitable causes including Lumos and The Abraham Fund Initiatives.
Jason Leonard

Former England prop, appeared for England 114 times plus 5 times for the British and Irish Lions, and won the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Maro Itoje

Maro is an established international for England and the British & Irish Lions. Beyond the game Maro has a degree in politics and is interested in international development, gender equality and human rights. His family is Nigerian and he brings a focus to the Board to improve the reach and impact of Atlas’s work with children across Africa.
John Clougherty

'Clocks', as he's known to us, joined the Board in February 2019. He is Head of UK Wholesale Fidelity International, an international investment management company.
Fiona Stockley

"Stockers" has worked for over a decade in professional sport across men’s rugby and football; operationally managing stadia, events and retail. Fiona was a rugby player for Wasps and England and since retiring in 2008 has volunteered at Wasps Ladies her club for nearly 20 years. She is the women’s coordinator at the “Barbarians RFC” supporting the committee to create the inaugural womens team in 2017.

Jungle Crows - Khelo Rugby

The Atlas Foundation supports The Jungle Crows with the Khelo Rugby project in 35 locations in Kolkata and North Bengal, benefiting nearly 2000 children each week.
Top 10 Benefits of Rugby

An opinion piece from a Health and Fitness Journal, rather than an empirical study, but a valid list of benefits nonetheless.
What We Do
Anita, Alex & Annabel Nicholson Memorial Fund

Set up by Ben Nicholson in memory of his wife Anita and their two children Alex and Annabel who tragically lost their lives in the Sri Lanka bombings on Easter Sunday 2019.
Front Row Club Closure
England Deaf Rugby Union

EDRU was set up by a group of deaf sports enthusiasts with the purpose of promoting the playing of rugby union by deaf and hard of hearing players.
Ben Nicholson interview Easter Sunday 2020

Read the moving interview with Ben Nicholson in the Sunday Times. “Sri Lanka’s Easter Bombings: one year on from the terror that killed my wife and children.”
History

Don't need summary
Richmond Heavies Foundation Presents ‘A Series of Extraordinary Events’

The Richmond Heavies Foundation are organising A Series Of Extraordinary Events around the world, which include extraordinary superhuman challenges as well as achievable social activities, allowing all to get involved. All monies raised will go to the Richmond Heavies Foundation, which was founded after Richmond Rugby lost 3 very special friends, far too early.
Ed Cooper Memorial Fund

Ed was a big personality who lived life to the full, was loved dearly by his family and friends, and is missed hugely by all who knew him. He was a talented sportsman who enjoyed playing both codes of rugby and cricket. Following Ed’s death in 2016, this Memorial Fund was established to honour his memory.