RFL partners with Upshot
The RFL has confirmed that it has agreed a six-year partnership with Upshot, an online application developed by the Football Foundation, to manage, monitor and evaluate the impact of Sky Try.
Sky Try is the new rugby league initiative that supports and develops grassroots participation across the UK.
It incorporates four distinct pillars each with specific targets and outcomes: Primary Rugby League, Secondary Rugby League competition and coaching, Play Touch Rugby League and the ‘Make the Big Games Bigger’ initiative.
The aim of the programme is boost the number of spectators, viewers and, crucially participants in rugby league.
Upshot was selected to manage, monitor and evidence the Sky Try programme for the RFL, and ensure accountability throughout so that return on investment can be measured.
Other sporting organisations which use Upshot include England Handball, Goalball UK and the Basketball Foundation.
Over 300 other organisations have also adopted the system since its launch three years ago.
“We are delighted to have enlisted Upshot to help us monitor the progress of Sky Try and measure how successful the club foundations are at delivering the programme,” RFL Programmes Director Julia Lee said.
“Not only will Upshot bring a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to measuring the success of each of the four areas of the grassroots initiative, they will also help us demonstrate the impact this having on people’s lives.
“Sky Try will make a huge difference to hundreds of thousands of participants and this six-year partnership with Upshot will give us the insight to track these journeys.”
Duncan Jones, Head of Development for Upshot, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the RFL and its exceptional work to deliver community sport making a real impact on our society.
“This is exactly the ‘dream’ we had when we launched Upshot and I am extremely proud that we are now delivering this.
“I genuinely think Upshot will make managing the Sky Try programme much easier, simplify the lives of those delivering it and clearly show its impact.”