Sale Sharks Foundation Launches Five-Year Strategy for Inclusion

Sale Sharks Foundation has today unveiled its new five‑year strategy, Levelling the Field, that sets out to harness the spirit of Sale Sharks and the power of rugby to boost health, fight inequality, and foster a sense of belonging across the North West.

The new strategy outlines how rugby can drive meaningful, lasting change. It’s built on the belief that rugby is about more than what happens on the pitch – it can break barriers, build belonging, and shape brighter futures for those who need it most. This includes women and girls, disabled people, those living in poverty, and young people at-risk.

The strategy reflects a community‑driven approach to some of the region’s most pressing challenges, from health inequalities to social isolation and limited access to opportunity.

By combining the ethos of the club with targeted, place‑based work, the Foundation aims to deliver lasting impact and engage with 75,000 people over the next five years.

Other key measures include promoting gender equality by ensuring 50% of programme participants are women and girls, engaging 30% of participants from the region’s most deprived communities, and developing an organisation‑wide volunteer programme.

Abi Dean, CEO of Sale Sharks Foundation, said:

“Our new strategy champions the power of rugby to bring people together, break down barriers and support healthier lives across our communities. It sets out a focused five‑year framework shaped by local need, and with the support of our team, our partners and the wider Sale Sharks family, we’re ready to deliver lasting change across the North West.”

Natasha Hanson, Chair of Trustees at Sale Sharks Foundation, added:

“This strategy reflects our belief that every person deserves the chance to feel connected, supported and able to thrive. Rugby gives us a unique way to reach people who might otherwise be left behind. Levelling the Field is our promise to stand alongside our communities and work with them to build brighter, healthier futures.”

Read the full strategy here to see how we’re working with communities across the North West to build healthier, more inclusive futures.