Our Mission
To unlock the potential of young people through sport, mentorship and mindset development. Using the core values of rugby, discipline, teamwork and resilience, we equip children aged 12 to 18 from underserved communities with the structure, belief and belonging they need to thrive, both on and off the field.
Measurable improvements in confidence, school attendance, physical health and community connection by;
Connecting with
schools across the UK
Reaching
young people aged 12 to 18
Delivering
nutritional packs
Providing
sports kits / equipment
Our Approach
We deliver programmes focused on physical, emotional and personal development by:
Providing free coaching in rugby, football, cricket and basketball for 12 to 18-year-olds from low-income households
1
Offering after-school mentoring, mindset workshops and in-school support
2
Delivering nutritional education and packs to combat food insecurity
3
Hosting community events that rebuild connection, pride and shared purpose
4
Partnering with schools to embed the T1 Rugby programme across the state system
5
Our Founder
Luther’s Story, The Why Behind the Work
I grew up in Huddersfield in a working-class family where life wasn’t always easy, but my family did an incredible job. We faced our share of challenges, like many families do, and for the most part, opportunities felt limited.
What changed everything for me was rugby. It gave me structure, identity and belief. It taught me discipline, resilience and how to handle pressure, not just on the pitch, but in life.
Where I’m from, people don’t usually make it. Opportunities are rare. Role models are even rarer. Many young people get held back, written off, or outcast before they’ve even had a chance to start. I know, because I was one of them.
But I refused to let that be the end of my story. Despite the setbacks, I became part of the less than 1 percent who went on to represent our country. That journey wasn’t easy, but it proved what is possible when someone believes in you, and when you make the decision to believe in yourself.
That’s what the 12 Foundation is about. Not just giving young people a chance, but giving them a reason to believe it is possible. To show them someone who’s lived it. To remind them that their background doesn’t have to define their outcome. To spread hope, and inspire the next generation to become the best version of themselves, whatever path they choose in life.
The number 12
Our name isn’t just a number on a jersey, the number 12 represents who we choose to be. In rugby, the No 12 is the vital link: the connector between attack and defense, power and precision, structure and instinct. You won’t always see the No 12 in the spotlight, but that position carries the weight so others can thrive. That spirit, lifting up teammates without ever seeking attention, is exactly how we strive to operate, both on the field and in life.
The No 12 Foundation is built on that same principle: to be the bridge for those who need it. We exist to connect people to opportunities, resources, and communities, helping individuals move from where they are today to where they’re capable of going tomorrow.
There’s an even deeper significance to the number 12. It appears everywhere in life; 12 months in a year, 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night. It represents balance, consistency, and life’s natural rhythm. At the No 12 Foundation, we help people find that rhythm when circumstances knock them off course. Our mission is to provide structure, support, and a renewed sense of purpose so everyone can regain balance and move forward.
We didn’t choose “No 12” simply because of where our founder lined up on the pitch; we chose it because it embodies our values: connection, commitment, and creating space for others to shine. That’s who we are, and who we aspire to be, for everyone we serve.
Our People
Luther Burrell
Founder
Will lead all activities in Schools, Communities and Inspire engagements, as well as hosting fund raising activities for the foundation.
Advisory Board
Paul Hamer
Chair
Paul is an accomplished Chair and former Chief Executive of Sir Robert McAlpine and global consultancy WYG Plc and is currently acting as a senior advisor with Collinson Grant. Paul has been actively involved in fundraising supporting GB Paralympics, Maggies Cancer Centres and The Construction Youth Trust.
Rick Nieto
Sales, Marketing, PR
An entrepreneurial, results-orientated and inspirational Business Leader with over 35 years experience in the Retail, Leisure and Events sectors with significant knowledge of multi-site high customer throughput trading environments. A skilled negotiator with considerable expertise in business development and strategic planning.
David Muir
Finance, Technology
David is an ex Big 4 Partner with PwC, KPMG, IBM and has created various technology businesses, supported on a number of fundraising activities and is currently the founder and managing partner of the Independent Training provider, Code Nation, recently acquired by the Reed Group.
Sarah Webb
CIPM, Data Compliance
Sarah is a seasoned Data Protection and Privacy specialist with extensive strategic and technical expertise. MD of E2E Education, she is an experienced leader who is innovative and results driven.
Contact Us
No 12 Foundation C.I.C exists to promote the personal development, wellbeing and community cohesion of young people (aged 12–18) in the UK who are experiencing social, educational or economic disadvantage. We will provide free sports kits, nutritional packs (funded by ambassador pledges), and in-school/after-school mentoring to:
Young people from low-income households (especially those flagged by partner schools as at risk of disengagement);
Teaching staff and coaches involved in team sports, who will receive training and resources to deliver structured, values-based sessions.
The wider community, including families, local schools and sports clubs, will also benefit by gaining enhanced community spirit, volunteer opportunities and access to free nutritional support and mentorship.
