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Founded in 1884 as the Rugby Clubs, The Rugby Portobello Trust (RPT) is a youth and family support charity that has been at the heart of the North Kensington community for over 140 years. RPT offers a wide range of activities designed to help children and young people build confidence, broaden their horizons and achieve their potential.
Since joining the P3 Group in 2008, RPT has continued to operate at a local level, thanks to the support and generosity of local donors and volunteers. Its impactful programmes span educational support, art workshops, music, sports coaching, mental health services, mentoring and employment hubs – all created to give young people and families the tools they need for brighter, more secure futures.
Today, we’re shining a light on the people behind this life-changing work: the dedicated team whose passion, commitment and positive work culture help children, young people and their families thrive, every day.
Huggy, RPT’s longest-serving team member, has been supporting the young people of west London for more than 25 years. He began as a basketball coach, but his talent for youth work quickly stood out.
“My approach is a balance of openness and discipline,” Huggy explains. “I keep doing this work because young people need our support, not just for today, but for their future.”
Huggy wishes every community had a place like RPT. Here, young people get the support they need – from support for prolonged trauma to help navigating cultural challenges.
“After the pandemic, some young people only know isolation and anxiety,” he says. “They struggle with motivation and confidence, but a place like RPT helps them become the best version of themselves.”
One of Huggy’s greatest joys is watching young people grow. He points to a boy he’s known for years, once shy and withdrawn, now smiling and confident.
“Not all adults treat children the way they deserve,” Huggy says. “Talk to them, don’t shout. That’s how they grow into kind, respectful people.”
For Huggy, the children are an inspiration too. “Seeing their good behaviour and kind nature makes me reflect on myself – they push me to be better.”
RPT’s positive work culture shines through in its community spirit. Many who came as children return to volunteer and support the next generation. Huggy smiles as he gestures to another young man nearby: “He used to give me headaches! But look at him now – volunteering, helping others grow. I’m so proud.”
Making a difference is what motivates Huggy every day. “When you’re a role model, you help others improve, and you grow too. RPT brings out the best in everyone – not just the kids, but the staff too.”
He credits the supportive work culture for his own growth as a youth worker: “When you’re surrounded by people who lift you up, you’re going to grow, you’re going to get better.”
Ester has been teaching in Notting Hill since 1992 and has watched the local community grow and change. Through RPT’s Magic Mums group, she supports families by creating a welcoming space where mums and carers find friendship, confidence and community.
Introduced to Magic Mums by a student, Ester immediately saw its power. “Spaces like these are special, especially for women from overseas or without family nearby.”
North Kensington’s vibrant diversity can sometimes feel isolating for new parents. “When you’ve just had a baby, you can feel lost,” Ester says. “Finding a group like Magic Mums means you don’t just learn to care for your baby, you find a family and friends.”
The warmth and sense of belonging put the ‘Magic’ in Magic Mums. The group welcomes new and expectant mums and carers with older children, too. “People want to keep coming back, so we let them!” Ester laughs. “It’s a safe space that breaks isolation and builds community.”
What began more than 10 years ago as a small support group for mums with teenage children has grown into so much more. The programme now offers support for mums and carers with children at all stages of development – right through to secondary school – and part of the programme focuses on skills building to develop emotional resilience and teach the mums and carers skills that could open doors to new income streams. “It frees up a little extra for the fun things in life – ice cream, treats, memories with your child,” Ester smiles.
Magic Mums has recently been teaching the current cohort to sew to help them save money by repairing their own clothes, but for Ester, it’s not just about sewing. “We’re big huggers here! We start with a hug and catch up, then we get the sewing machines out.”
Her favourite part is seeing women grow in confidence and strength. “You can see it in their kids too. It’s good for children to have a happy mum. Women aren’t praised enough. Sometimes a simple ‘well done’ means so much.”
One hug, one skill, one new friendship at a time, Ester and the other group leaders bring real sparkle to Magic Mums.
She smiles. “It’s women power!”
As RPT’s Academic Support Coordinator who runs RPT’s afterschool Homework Club, Daniel makes sure children feel supported both inside and outside the classroom.
“For me, it’s not just about homework,” Daniel explains. “RPT provides a safe space where children can learn, play, make friends and have fun.” Homework Club doesn’t run in isolation – it runs parallel to RPT’s Junior Club, which offers activities such as sport, music, art and games. The blend of academic support and enriching activities ensure the children are receiving well-rounded, holistic support, not simply focusing on educational outcomes.
Junior Club gives children a chance to discover who they are and what they enjoy, with help from trusted youth workers. “It’s about feeling good about yourself and about more than just schoolwork,” Daniel said.
For many children, Homework Club is vital for building confidence, especially for those whose home life can make school tough. “It’s not always just poverty,” Daniel says. “Sometimes it’s a lack of parental support.”
RPT also supports parents, acting as a bridge between school and home. “We want kids to leave with good memories and lessons they’ll carry for life,” Daniel said, and he knows how deep RPT’s roots go: “Generations have grown up coming here. The trust keeps kids motivated and families supported.”
He recalls how RPT stepped in during the Grenfell tragedy. “We opened our doors to the community, and we’re still here for children and families affected by that.”
In an area with the UK’s widest gap between wealth and poverty, RPT’s support for young people is more vital than ever. “We want parents to drop in and make memories too,” Daniel says.
Funded entirely by local donations, RPT’s work depends on the community’s generosity, and the dedication of staff like Daniel.
“It’s a mission for me,” he says. “I want to be the person I wish I’d had growing up. If we can give each child something they’ll carry forever, that’s everything.”
Tony has been part of RPT’s Football Academy since it formally launched fifteen years ago. Following on from the tremendous success of RPT’s first football team, which saw the children grow from U6 to U16 players, Tony and his cousin Riley, who runs the Academy, set up the first Academy team with their own children and other local kids.
“We loved it so much we decided to grow it,” Tony says. “Now we run 8 to 10 teams for kids aged 6 to 14. It’s amazing to coach the next generation in the same community I grew up in.”
The Football Academy brings young people together from all backgrounds. “RPT is brilliant for the community,” Tony says. “Kids make friends, stay active… some even get scouted by big clubs”
While RPT FC is known for its incredible success in regional tournaments, the Academy is about more than just football. “It’s a break from everyday pressures: a place to play, be kids and just have fun,” he says.
He gestures to the pitch, buzzing with laughter. “Look at them – they’re all smiling.”
For Tony, a key part of RPT’s Football Academy is building resilience in the next generation. “We’re helping kids become strong – kids who get knocked down and learn how to get back up.”
Tony’s passion for supporting young people reflects the positive, supportive work culture at RPT: “It’s about giving the next generation a safe place to grow, learn and enjoy life.”
Thanks to people like Huggy, Ester, Daniel and Tony, The Rugby Portobello Trust continues to be a place where young people and families can thrive. Find out more or support RPT by visiting their website.
