Find out how this amazing charity helps your local community - and how you get can involved.

star* scheme supports young people and families to overcome the impact of experiencing Adverse Childhood Experiences ( ACEs) through engagement with grassroots rugby. Research shows us that in order for young people to overcome the impact of ACES, they need to build resilience through relationships with trusted adults; grassroots rugby is the perfect space for this to happen. Star* scheme provides access and resources that a young person and family might need to enable them to engage with the sport, from kit to transport. Star* scheme will also work with Combe Down RFC to provide specific training to ensure adults are informed and equipped to provide the support and space that a young person needs. We are committed to ensuring that ACEs are mitigated by being involved in sport, with everyone at the scheme committed to developing young people into leaders of the future.

The coaches and officials of junior rugby clubs achieve amazing things with young people every season. star* scheme works to support clubs to identify young people in their communities, both at their club and beyond, who have ACEs (including poor mental or emotional wellbeing and/or who are financially disadvantaged) and provide them with supported access to the sport of rugby. The scheme supports clubs to form links with local schools and provides funding, training and support to the clubs to enable them to continue to achieve. We work with families to remove the barriers to participation in grassroots rugby and make sure that the children have what they need to enjoy the game, be it kit, transport, training or a friendly and supportive face.

Combe Down RFC would welcome any club members or community volunteers to provide support to players and their families when they join Combe Down RFC. Volunteers engage with families, provide a friendly and welcoming face to the club, answer questions, provide information to coaches and conduct a small amount of administration.

For any enquiries or additional information, please reach out to Mike Druitt, our designated club contact.

Found out more: STAR Scheme

news articles

  • Nigel Williams Funeral

    Sat 14 Feb 2026 14:38

    The funeral of Nigel Williams will take place on Monday 23rd February at 12:15 , Upper Chapel, Haycombe and afterwards at Combe Down Rugby Club. view

  • Obituary Nigel Williams

    Thu 05 Feb 2026 08:42

    This week Combe Down  RFC lost one of it's finest, Nigel Williams, after a long battle against a serious illness Nige joined us after playing for Avon & Bath and he quickly settled … view

  • Pat Payton remembers Combe Down RFC

    Fri 05 Dec 2025 18:26

    From WYN Bailey Two years ago Combe Down RFC sadly lost one of its most loyal and respected members of 76 years,Pat Payton! Once again Pat has shown how much Combe Down meant to him … view

  • Mini and Junior - Huge Christmas Raffle

    Fri 28 Nov 2025 20:40

    It’s that time of year ....The Minis and Juniors at Combe Down RFC are excited to announce our spectacular raffle! Every ticket purchased helps us give our young players an … view

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