Warrington RUFC x Breakthrough Maths

At Breakthrough Maths, we’re passionate about helping young people succeed not just in sport, but academically as well. That’s why we’re delighted to be working alongside Dominic and Warrington RUFC, supporting their Under 15 and Under 16 teams with a free structured, maths programme designed around the demands of elite youth rugby.
U15 & U16 Players Programme
This programme, being taught by local PhD student, Connor Smith, has been custom-built specifically for Warrington RUFC, taking into account training loads, match schedules, and the academic pressures faced by young athletes.
The programme is specific for:
- Warrington RUFC Under 15 players (Year 10)
- Warrington RUFC Under 16 players (Year 11)
The focus is on:
- Building confidence in maths
- Strengthening core GCSE skills
- Developing problem-solving and mental resilience skills that directly transfer to rugby performance
About Warrington RUFC
Warrington Rugby Union Football Club is one of the most respected rugby clubs in the North West of England, with a strong focus on youth development. Their age-grade setup is designed to help players grow both on and off the pitch, preparing them for the physical, mental, and educational challenges of competitive sport.
Our collaboration ensures players don’t have to choose between rugby and education, they can excel at both.
Our Tutor: Connor Smith

The Warrington RUFC maths programme is led by Connor Smith, one of Breakthrough Maths’ most experienced GCSE tutors. Connor is a First Class Honours Physics graduate and a PhD researcher at Northumbria University, with extensive experience in tutoring students from Warrington and surrounding areas.
Known for his calm, supportive teaching style, Connor specialises in helping Year 10 and Year 11 students build confidence, master key GCSE topics, and develop strong problem-solving skills. His structured approach makes him an excellent fit for supporting young rugby players balancing academic demands with elite sport.
👉Read more about Connor here.
Programme Start Date
📅 Start Date: February 2nd
This mid-season start allows players to settle into their rugby routines while getting structured academic support at a crucial point in the school year, particularly important for Year 11 GCSE students.
Class Times (Monday – Thursday)
The programme runs Monday to Thursday, offering consistency while remaining flexible around training and matches and is completely free for club members.
Class times are as follows:
- Year 10 (Higher Level Maths): 5:30pm
- Year 11 (Higher Level Maths): 6:30pm
- Combined support for both Year 10 & Year 11 Foundation Level: 7:30pm
Why Maths Matters for Young Athletes
There is a strong link between sport and academic performance, particularly in areas like focus, decision-making, and confidence.
We regularly explore this connection on our blog, including how skills learned through sport can directly improve maths performance:
👉 Read our blog on the link between sport and maths
Rugby teaches discipline, pattern recognition, and quick thinking all of which are essential in maths. Our lessons build on these strengths, helping players see maths as something they can be good at.
Designed for Players, Parents, and Coaches
This isn’t a generic tutoring course. It’s a structured, club specific programme that:
- Supports GCSE outcomes
- Reduces academic stress
- Encourages balance between sport and school
- Gives parents peace of mind that education isn’t being neglected
By working with Warrington RUFC, we’re helping young players develop habits that will benefit them long after their final whistle.
Final Thoughts
At Breakthrough Maths, we believe strong minds build strong players. Our partnership with Warrington RUFC reflects a shared commitment to developing well-rounded young athletes who are confident in both the classroom and on the pitch.
If you’re a parent, coach, or player involved with Warrington RUFC U15 or U16, this programme offers the perfect balance of academic support and sporting ambition.
TJ 🙂