Who We Are

The Atlas Foundation believes that all children should have the chance to thrive as they grow up.

Founded by Jason Leonard OBE in 2014, we exist to help deprived children work towards a better future through rugby communities. It is a launchpad for good and provides a platform that partners with local organisations that have a tangible impact on the daily lives of deprived young people.

We are proud to partner with local, community-based organisations around the world, who provide safety, food, education, guidance, sport, and community to children, giving them the skills, tools and confidence to thrive. To learn more about the communities we partner with, please click here.

If you would like to be involved with The Atlas Foundation, please click here.

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!

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

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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.