A HEARTFELT community anthem has been created by youngsters in Rugby.
The School of Rap CIC Rugby has unveiled Love Rugby, a powerful and uplifting anthem created as the emotional centrepiece of this year’s Love Rugby Festival.
Love Rugby is described as a heartfelt tribute to the town’s heritage, community spirit, and intergenerational pride.
Funded by a £5,000 grant from Warwickshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), the project was delivered in partnership with Newbold on Avon Rugby Club and led by the School of Rap, a Rugby-based Community Interest Company which aims to create positive change in the lives of children and young people.
The track was written and performed by participants during Friday evening sessions at the club, led by the School of Rap team.
Featuring a diverse chorus of local voices, the song, which opens with a dedication from Mayor Barbara Brown, aims to capture the town’s values of unity and resilience while celebrating its past, present, and future.
It offers a young person’s perspective on the town and delivers a potted history of Rugby to a catchy, high-energy melody.
Coun Tony Freeman, Chair of the Newbold on Avon Community Partnership, helped secure the funding from the PCC and collaborated with Sven to bring the project to life.
He said: “I was delighted to see that providing opportunities for youngsters to create and perform music produced such outstanding results.
“This was a great collaboration between Newbold on Avon Community Partnership, School of Rap, The Rugby Club and The Police and Crime Commissioner. This is a fantastic outcome for all concerned.”
Sven Lichtenberg from the School of Rap said: “Using the therapeutic power of music – particularly rap and songwriting – engages those at risk of criminal or antisocial behaviour.
“Through creative expression, mentorship, and safe, supportive environments, we help young people build confidence, process emotions, and find constructive outlets for their energy and experiences.”
Rugby MP John Slinger said he was thrilled to see young people coming together to celebrate their pride in the town through music.
He added: “I am a champion for greater access to the creative arts, and this project is a brilliant example of what’s possible when communities are supported with the right funding.
“Huge thanks to Sven from the School of Rap and to Coun Tony Freeman for bringing this to life. And to the young people at the heart of it – you’ve done something amazing, and I hope you keep creating, collaborating, and enjoying everything music has to offer.”
Efforts are already underway to secure further funding to continue the project in 2026.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/mpjfxas2 to listen to Love Rugby.
