DAZZLE FOR RESILIENCE
Using rugby to improve minds, well-being, health and sports education.
Z IS FOR ZEBRA
A very wise man (and good friend!) Ferhat Fidan introduced me to his enterprise in Istanbul, Türkiye called Buffalos Rugby.
The concept was to use the beautiful game of rugby to improve health and well-being amongst young people less fortunate than ourselves. We promised that on our return to the United Kingdom, we would follow suit and bring into play our own British version. Well here it is – the unveiling of Zebra Ragbi sponsored by Ragbi Stores 🦓 🖤🤍 that will focus on ‘grass roots’ community-development through to competitive 7s. However, the impact will be wider than just competitive play, but a platform to bring mental health and resilience to young people to improve lifestyles, mindset, inclusion and future prospects.
#noteverythingisblackandwhite 🏉💯
THE ‘ZEBRA’ IDENTITY AROSE FROM A PERCEPTION COMMONLY ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ANIMAL.
A zebra is a wild African equine famous for its distinct black-and-white striped coat, with no two individuals sharing the exact same pattern. In that same way, we emhasise the importance of allowing our beneficiaries to appreciate that is they who matter. Everyone, has their own personality and recognising that, means that strengths can be built on and fitting into everyday life, communities and society enables integration, positioning, coping strategies and performance, Such appreciation is integral to the things we do at Zebra Ragbi.
OUR CORE ACTIVITIES
INCLUDE:
Development of high performance, competitive rugby squads
Utilising rugby for general life improvement and health and well being
Tackling social exclusion resulting from a myriad of often intertwined challenges in the family life cycle
Holiday camps and sports development courses
Training and consultancy on mental health
1-2-1 support to parents, carers or individuals.
THIS VIDEO CAPTURES OUR INAUGURAL TRIP FOR ZEBRA RAGBI TAKING A COHORT OF BOYS TO DEVELOP INTO A TEAM AND PLAY IN THE LEGENDARY ISTANBUL 7S TOURNAMENT IN THE OLYMPIC STADIUM IN TURKIYE.
EARN YOUR STRIPES
To “earn your stripes” means to prove you are worthy of respect, authority, or a specific position through hard work, experience, or achievements. It implies that you have successfully paid your dues rather than being handed a role. We help our beneficiaries to earn theirs’.
Our Leadership Team and Trustees have all earned stripes and are both credible practitioners and with esteemed reputations in their given disciplines.
ADRIAN STORES
Founder of Zebra Ragbi.
Former original assessor to the National Lottery with its health-themed and disability grant funding regimes. Previous, Chair at the Chartered Institute of Marketing for its specialist consultants in sports and leisure. Graduated from University of Sheffield with Masters in Leisure Management. Now holds Chartered Marketer status for continuing professional development and is a Fellow of that same Institute, the largest in Europe.
Author to “Delirium” which case studies mental health, resilience in sports people. Written as Legacy to his Father, Professor Gregory Stores, who was a Worldwide renown clinician in neuro-psychology founder of the National Epilepsy Centre for Children in Oxford and expert in sleep disorders in young people.
Adrian is guest lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, University Campus for Football Business [UCFB – Wembley Stadium, Etihad and Turf Moor] and University of Salford. Held leading director and/or managerial roles at Salford Red Devils, Manchester Rugby and Heaton Moor – and presently International Affairs for Turkiye Ragbi Federation. He is co-owner of Ragbi Stores with Son, Kaya Stores – international rugby union player for Turkiye.
GRAHAM HIGGINBOTHAM
A legend in the rugby universe. Knowledgeable to great depth. Head Coach to Zebra Ragbi’s Initial formation and Tour to Istanbul.
Lead Coach at Sale Sharks Rugby -Manchester Metropolitan University’s performance squad. Head Coach at Broughton Park Rugby Club. Also, Outreach Coach to the legendary, Sedbergh College.
Head of People Development at Stride UK. Graham is passionate about providing positive pathways for young people to be involved in sport and education to achieve their personal goals. Its programmes aim to inspire and motivate them to achieve and maximise their potential, whilst celebrating success and personal achievements along the way.
Famous for a video footage of his coaching where two young players console each other to raise confidence and self-esteem.
GULCIN BULUT
Is an esteemed psychotherapist with education including MSc in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. A member of BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and BABCP (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies). A beneficiary may be high-functioning, capable on the outside, yet internally struggling with anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, or feeling stuck. They might be experiencing panic, OCD, health or social anxiety, low mood, or burnout. Perhaps, he/she could be navigating identity questions, life transitions, or the emotional impact of living between cultures. If they seek help this is where Gulcin excels and especially if they want relief from constant mental pressure, a deeper understanding of themselves, and a way to feel calmer, more confident, and more connected to who they are.
She offers Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) – informed therapy alongside person-centred and existential approaches. Core workload includes: beneficiaries with anxiety, OCD, panic, trauma, perfectionism, burnout and cross-cultural issues. She provides therapy in English and Turkish, supporting both symptom relief and deeper personal insight. Gulcin is Chairwoman of the North West Turkish Community Association as well as a talented singer and frame drum musician using such to illustrate the efficacy of music in promoting health and well-being.
SAMANTHA FEARON
Founder & Director at Resilient Minds Wellbeing. Sam is a psychology and criminology professional with a strong academic background, holding a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Criminology & Psychology and an MSc Psychology (BPS accredited). She is also a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS).
Her experience combines psychology, leadership, mentoring and wellbeing-focused work across both professional and voluntary settings. A particular strength is her passion for understanding human behaviour and using that knowledge to support resilience, personal growth and positive change within individuals and communities. Providing calm, practical and psychoeducational wellbeing support for teens, adults, parents and carers, including ADHD – and autism – informed approaches where appropriate. Work focuses on creating supportive, non-judgemental spaces where people feel heard, understood and empowered.
IN THE NEWS
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Rugby dazzle
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Mental health
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FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNS
SNAPS TO VIEW
Zebra Ragbi thanks our friends and media contacts that have allowed us to share captured images from our programmes. Special appreciation to our earlier adopters including: Pocket Watch Films, Ozan Graphy, Bugu and Beliz Raw.
GOVERNANCE
Zebra Ragbi Rugby Club Tours Quotation Schedule
ZRF Constitution
ZRF Safeguarding
ZRF Potential Trustee Questionnaire