Bermuda’s Beyond Rugby programme has won a prestigious prize for its achievements in working with the Island’s at-risk youth.

The scheme has collected a Fair Play Award from the North America Caribbean Rugby Association, which is presented to the organisation, team or individual that best demonstrates rugby’s culture of sportsmanship and fair play through actions on or off the field.

More than 7,000 programmes throughout North America and the Caribbean were eligible for the accolade, voted on by 18 countries.

Beyond Rugby co-founder and coach John Layfield, a former WWE wrestling champion turned TV commentator, described the award as “such an incredible honour for our entire team and sponsors”.

He added: “We believe we are making positive changes in our island paradise. Our coaches and volunteers are second to none — we have a wonderful rugby community here that has bonded over our programme and success helps create more success.

“They are the best in the world and I’m very happy to see them rewarded with this great honour.

“In the end, it is all about the kids and, while this is nice and feels good, we still will start every day thinking on how to do things better and do more for the kids we serve.

“This isn’t about rugby, this is about kids. We use rugby as a tool and our kids love it and are very good at it, but the main thing we do is help to give them opportunities to succeed in life, which goes way beyond any sport.”

Beyond Rugby works with students from CedarBridge Academy and Dellwood Middle School, and is about to expand into Berkeley Institute.

The programme includes a homework academy run with Family Centre to help the youngsters to improve their grades.

The Fair Play Award was presented to Beyond Rugby during a fundraising gala dinner for the programme, organised as part of last week’s Atlantic Rugby Cup.

All proceeds from the weeklong series of events, which culminated last Saturday with a match between Bermuda Barbarians and Harlequins, is being donated to Beyond Rugby and Bermuda Youth Rugby.

“The entire past week was a dream come true,” Mr Layfield said. “[Atlantic Rugby Cup organiser] Gareth Nokes has done such a wonderful job creating this event every year.

“It is heart-warming to see Bermuda come together in so many different ways with our sponsors, who are truly partners, and all those who helped out this past week by being a part and supporting our kids.”