British Asian Rugby Association – Beyond The Try Line
The British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) has been campaigning for equality and inclusion for over 20 years. While our work has a strong focus on increasing opportunities for South Asian communities, our programmes are open to all.
Thanks to funding from the Dewsbury Moor Fund, BARA delivered a multi-sport programme in Dewsbury Moor and the surrounding areas aimed at empowering young people, particularly those aged 11 years plus.
A major factor in the project’s success was our close collaboration with the 20:20 Foundation, whose local knowledge, trusted relationships, and strong community presence particularly among South Asian families were crucial in ensuring high levels of engagement. Working in partnership through the GEMS project, we were able to reach groups often underrepresented in sport, especially teenage girls, creating accessible, inclusive activities tailored to the needs of the community. Together with 20:20 Foundation, we delivered sessions inside local madrassas demonstrating that even with limited indoor space, energy and enthusiasm can flourish. We also co-ran holiday activity sessions at Kick Off Dewsbury and used local green spaces to encourage outdoor play and physical activity.
A key element of our delivery was the presence of positive role models who reflected the backgrounds and lived experiences of the young people. Seeing people from their own community leading sessions helped challenge long-standing stereotypes and negative labels suggesting that South Asians are not interested in rugby or other physical sports. This project has shown that, when given the opportunity, encouragement, and a safe environment, young people engage with real passion whether it’s rugby, cricket, football or boxing proving the interest and talent are there when barriers are removed.
