Spoon Challenges
Learn more about the major Challenge events Wooden Spoon has organised for the coming season
About Wooden Spoon
In the UK, one child in every hundred suffers from a lifelong disability that will profoundly affect his or her ability to lead a full and happy life. More than 3 million children grow up in low income households or live in an environment where they are subjected to poverty of aspiration.Over 1 million young people aged between 16-19 are not in full time employment, education or training. At Wooden Spoon, we believe that all children and young people deserve the chance to live happy fulfilled lives regardless of the challenges they may face. Spoon harnesses the spirit and values of rugby to give disadvantaged children and young people a chance to achieve their full potential in life.
Who we are:
Wooden Spoon is a children's charity founded in 1983 that is dedicated to helping disadvantaged children and young people across the British Isles live happier, richer lives. We partner with the UK rugby community, receiving invaluable support for our activities and the opportunity to raise awareness of the work we do. In doing so, we involve some of rugby's top sporting role models in making a difference in the lives of young people in need.
We proudly comprise over 40 regional volunteer committees, a central national team and over 10,000 members. All regional committees undertake many local fundraising activities and only spend the money raised on projects in their local community. During our first 30 years, over 600,000 young people benefitted from more than £20 million of charitable support thanks to the efforts of our staff and volunteers. We are proud of our legacy, the work we do, and our ambitious plans for the future.
Our vision
Wooden Spoon exists to make a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged children and young people through our commitment to quality charitable work.What we do
We organise our own fundraising initiatives, raise the money and spend it where it is most needed. Over the years, our donations have diversified from capital projects such as medical treatment and recovery centres, sports and activity areas, sensory rooms and gardens, playgrounds and hydrotherapy pools to include outreach programmes for young people in their communities.What events do we run?
Spoon fundraisersSpoon's volunteer committees organise hundreds of fundraising events every year including golf days, rugby matches, physical challenges, summer fetes, balls, dinners and many others that raise the crucial funds for the charity and appeal to potential supporters. Much of our impressive growth in members and sponsors is directly related to our event activity.
Game On
Game On is an innovative social investment programme designed to reduce the number of young people from socially challenging areas falling into long-term unemployment or a life of crime. Harnessing the power and values of rugby, Game On encourages positive behaviour change, builds confidence and raises aspiration levels amongst disadvantaged and disillusioned young people. Its unique programme of education and training will help 16-19 year-olds from deprived backgrounds into full-time education, apprenticeships, employment and long-term volunteer work. A true "Big Society" programme, Game On combines private sector sponsorship with substantial public funding to forge a sustainable social partnership that will help significantly improve the lives of young people across the British Isles.
Wooden Spoon AmbassadorsWooden Spoon enjoys the support of numerous rugby legends and industry leaders who contribute their time and energy to raise awareness of Spoon's activities and help us to generate funds.
Sporting Partners
Wooden Spoon enjoys strong relationships with a variety of clubs, league associations and governing bodies to achieve our common goal of giving back to the community while using sport as a way to improve the quality of life for young people.
Our Royal Patron
Our Royal Patron is HRH The Princess Royal who gives generously of her time.
Our Rugby Patrons
The RFU, WRU, SRU, IRFU, RFL all support us in our charitable work.
Corporate Partners
Wooden Spoon has the generous support of a number of companies whose contributions enable us to grow through our charitable work.
The story behind Wooden Spoon
A wonderful and enduring legacy emerged in 1983 after England's Rugby team was defeated by the Irish. Drowning their sorrows in a Dublin bar, some English fans were presented with a wooden spoon by the victorious Irish to symbolise a winless Five Nations Championship.
Accepting the spoon with as much good humour and grace as could be mustered under the circumstances, the friends resolved to hold a charity golf match to see who would have the honour of keeping the spoon. The money raised bought a minibus for a local school and the idea for a charity was born.
How can you get involved?
Contact: If you would like to get involved or want further information contact our administrative office in Fleet, Hampshire on 01252 773720 or email charity@woodenspoon.com
Membership
For more information please contact the membership department on membership@woodenspoon.com or 01252 773720.
Donate online or by post
You can make an online donation to Spoon. Alternatively, we are grateful to receive donations at our administration office:
Wooden Spoon
115-117 Fleet Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3PD
Tel: 01252 773720 Email: charity@woodenspoon.com
Charity Registration No. 326691 Scotland No: SC039247