Terrel is a 16 years old boy who has always been large for his age. His friends at primary school often complained that he played too rough with them in the playground. Terrel would come home upset because he did not like hurting his friends.

Terrel continued to struggle to find something where he felt a sense of belonging. He lacked confidence as his friends both male and females were excelling in their chosen fields of sport, arts, music, drama or academia. Terrel often complained 'I'm not good at anything because of my size'.

At 8 years old a number of Terrel's school friends started attending tag rugby at their local rugby club Eton Manor. Being from a working class background I was not familiar with the game of rugby so initially decided not to take him. But Terrel was persistent until I relented. Looking back I'm so happy he did. I saw something extraordinary happen to my son. The change in his confidence, coming to terms with his size, the discipline of the sport and his natural talent meant he had finally found a place and sport he loves.

Fast forward eight years and with a one in a million chance to fulfil his dream of making it into Saracens Rugby Academy, he sacrificed and through relentless determination to succeed was spotted and offered a place in the academy.
The majority of players who are successful in the sport attend public school and play rugby on a regular basis both in school and at their local rugby club, Terrel just plays for his local club because his secondary school does not have a rugby team!

In order to continue his rugby development and dream of becoming a professional rugby player, Terrel has been offered a rugby & accommodation place at Oakland College in St Albans starting in September 2018. We live too far away for Terrel to commute to college daily and with a daughter at university I cannot afford the annual accommodation fee. That's where you come in, with your kind hearts, no matter how small the donation it will be greatly appreciated.