The #TOGETHERACTIVE series will include a variety of interactive and inclusive exercise, skills, health, dance and well-being videos delivered by our highly qualified and enthusiastic staff.

Videos will be uploaded to the Saracens Sport Foundation’s Youtube Channel and will be shared across SSF social media accounts. Please make sure you subscribe to our Youtube Channel so you don’t miss any of the new videos!

We encourage all of our beneficiaries to engage with and share these videos to keep yourselves, your friends and your families active!

These are incredibly challenging times for charities like ours, meaning we need as much financial support as we can get. We want to ensure that we can continue to transform people’s lives in our communities. We are asking you all to please donate as much as you can for these sessions by following the link below:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/TogetherActive

As part of our 20th Anniversary celebrations, we asked people why they have chosen to support the Saracens Sport Foundation over the last few years.

We spoke to Rita McNeil to find out why she has chosen to become a patron of the Foundation.

What made you decide you wanted to become a patron of the Saracens Sport Foundation?

I have been an interested follower of the Sports Foundation since its inception, and have donated on Foundation Matchdays for example.

But I didn’t really understand HOW I could get more closely involved until quite recently. I was reading something online about a Sports Foundation event and saw a link on the page, which I followed.

As a former teacher I have been particularly interested in two of the Foundation projects – Sarrie’s Skills Club (photo above from a Skills Club session), which helps severely autistic young people and their carers and the Get Onside project for young offenders.

When I realised that for a relatively small amount of money I could become Patron and would be invited to visit these projects – and the Foundation would be able to claim Gift Aid on my donation too, it was a no brainer, and I signed up just over a year ago. Since then, I have visited Feltham twice. I am hoping to visit the Sarrie’s Skills Club this year.

How have you seen the Foundation grow?

Since I first became aware of the Sports Foundation many programmes have been added to the list, including Love to Dance for the over-50s (I suppose I really ought to join that one!), the Nordic walking group and Wheelchair rugby There have also been many more outreach events in local schools and rugby clubs.

What has made you continue your support of the Foundation?

While I haven’t been involved for very long I will continue to support for as long as I can because the Sports Foundation is doing such good work across a wide range of programmes, for children, young adults (who often get overlooked) and the over-50s. It helps everyone in the community

What part of the Foundation has made the biggest impression on you?

In the Fez Club and at various SSA events some of the autistic young people have been able to speak to us about how the Foundation has contributed to and improved their lives. For some the progress they have made has been little short of miraculous, but for each one the opportunity to move, work and interact for a couple of hours each week is something really important and special.

The fact that their carers also get a couple of hours respite in the company of others who understand just how difficult life can be for someone with a severely autistic child is also very important.

Also the low re-offending rates for those young men who take part in the Get Onside project show that what the Sports Foundation is doing is worthwhile and valuable, not just to the participants but also to the community as a whole.

Chatting to the young men at Feltham let me see that they felt privileged to be part of the project, but they also felt that the project gave them self-esteem and that they were valued for who they are. That Saracens continued support for them after they have been released is also a vital part of the programme.

Support our ‘£20 for 20’ campaign!

As part of our 20th Anniversary celebrations, we asked people why they have chosen to support the Saracens Sport Foundation over the last few years. We spoke to Steve Cummins to find out what inspired him to fundraise for the Foundation.

How did you first find out about the Saracens Sport Foundation?

I have always been aware are of the Saracens Sport Foundation and the great work they do, but for me the turning-point was when I got more heavily involved with the Saracens Supporter’s Association and learned at first-hand about their support. I was invited along to a patron’s event where I was blown away by the range of support the Foundation offers so many people in the local community

What made you want to start fundraising for the Foundation?

As a Saracens fan I have always taken from the club and I felt after many years it was time to give something back. Having had my eyes opened to some elements of the community which needed our help and support, I felt it was only right and proper that I was going to do what I could.

Can you tell us about some of the different fundraising efforts you’ve made for the Foundation?

Since becoming a member of the SSA committee I have been heavily involved in the Foundation Matchday activations. At the end of each season over the past few years we have organised a series of raffles, prize draws and auctions to help raise as much as possible.

On a personal level I have completed the London 10K, 2x North London half marathons, 2x 100k ultra marathons and last year completed the London Marathon. I also took part in the Cycle for Change 80 mile ride. I estimate that we have probably raised over £75k in 5 years.

Were any a particular favourite?

Favourite event probably has to be crossing the line at the London Marathon this year the atmosphere was amazing and the euphoria of completing such an iconic event was a wonderful memory. That said when I crossed the line on the first of the 100km ultra marathons I was pretty relieved!

How much of a difference does it make knowing that your efforts are supporting programmes and participants in your local community?

The enormous sense of pride that you get from raising money is endorsed when you see first-hand the difference it makes to people’s lives… my temporary pain and suffering at some of these events pales into insignificance when compared to the challenges some of our community have to deal with on a day-to-day basis.

It makes me hugely proud to say that I support the Foundation and I would encourage anybody to join in, whether it be spending some time with us at track club or raising money through a challenge of whatever size.

Your contribution really will make a difference. If you don’t feel that you can, then keep an eye out for our social media as there is a team of us completing a third ultra-marathon this summer and we will be on the lookout for sponsors!

Support our ‘£20 for 20’ campaign!

This holiday season, don’t miss your chance to support the Saracens Sport Foundation while doing your Christmas shopping!

Simply head over to https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/, type in ‘Saracens Sport Foundation – London’ into the search bar and follow the instructions to find out how you can support our work while also buying presents for your family and friends!