The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League returns in Warrington this Sunday, with a Festival involving 22 teams from 14 different Foundations - including SAINTS!
And ahead of the first game Saints first team squad members Josh Simm and Sam Royle went down to Thatto Heath ARLFC to meet some of the team who were training alongside Saints Community Development Foundation coaches!
The Learning Disability Super League was launched in partnership with Community Integrated Care, one of the UK’s largest and most successful social care charities, in 2019. The project was memorably launched at Betfred Super League’s Magic Weekend at Anfield later that year, and has gone on to give more than 250 players countless incredible opportunities in Rugby League – and Super League recently confirmed a strong LDSL presence at the 2022 Magic Weekend at St James’s Park in Newcastle in July.
Community Integrated Care have also developed a ground-breaking social inclusion partnership with Rugby League World Cup 2021, which has seen more than 350 people access personal development, mentoring and volunteering opportunities inspired by the tournament. This partnership was named as the Best Community Scheme at the prestigious Sports Business Awards 2021.
Now all are relishing the resumption of the Community Integrated Care LDSL after two Covid-affected years, with the Victoria Park facility – which has benefited from CreatedBy RLWC2021 funding – hosting the biggest Festival yet.
The Foundations of five Betfred Championship clubs – Barrow Raiders, Featherstone Rovers, Leigh Centurions, Widnes Vikings and York City Knights – will join the Betfred Super League clubs Castleford Tigers, Hull FC, Hull KR, Leeds Rhinos, Salford Red Devils, St Helens, Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors.
Three more Championship clubs – Halifax Panthers, Newcastle Thunder and Sheffield Eagles – will also be getting involved as the season develops.
📷: LDRL Season Launch Training Session!
More Photos in the tweets below! @Saints1890 @LDSuperLeague @TheRFL @saints1890women #LDRL pic.twitter.com/EmsMorNuWU
— Saints Community Development Foundation (@CommunitySaints) April 6, 2022
Chris Godfrey, the RFL’s Social and Inclusion Manager, said: “The 2022 season feels like a fresh start for the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League. And with the continued growth we have seen and more participants than ever before there is a lot to be excited about! More teams means bigger events, festivals and more life changing experiences for all involved with particular excitement about our return to the Magic Weekend and all that will bring with it.
“Last year was fantastic and we saw growth through a global pandemic, which is a testament to the work Rugby League’s community foundations did and continue to do. As well as this we were able to tap into expert guidance from our partners in Community Integrated Care to ensure the participants’ safety was at the fore through such a challenging time. That said, the season was impacted by Covid 19 in that we saw a slow, gradual return to play. This year we can go big from the first event and bring everyone together, and with 22 teams from 14 foundations we can say this is the biggest LDSL event to date.
“I cannot wait to be there on the day and I am sure that is a sentiment shared by all who have been involved with the sport – and those who will be in the future.”
We’ve got @Saints1890 players Sam Royal and @JoshSimm01 alongside @saints1890women players @TaraJ_TJ and @FayeGaskin at todays LDRL Season Launch Training Session!
We’ve seen some fantastic hands so far! pic.twitter.com/fkQM8JFpcB
— Saints Community Development Foundation (@CommunitySaints) April 6, 2022
Craig Thomason, Partnerships and Communities Manager at Community Integrated Care, said: “We are thrilled to be kicking off the 2022 Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League season this weekend. This ground-breaking programme has changed hundreds of lives and given many people the opportunity to live their dreams.
“This will be the biggest and best season yet. Our charity has been delighted to partner with the RFL and Super League to provide training and support to every participating club. It’s been inspiring to see the passion, excitement, and commitment that every Foundation has for delivering the best experiences possible.
“We’d like to thank all our partners for their dedication, and we wish the players and their families all the best for an amazing season ahead.”
The action starts at Victoria Park from midday.
Learning Disability Rugby League is a tailored non-competitive game, which focuses on encouraging participation and skills development.
Community Integrated Care supports thousands of people who have care and support needs across the UK, including learning disabilities, autism, dementia, mental health concerns and physical disabilities. They are proud to be the Official Social Care Partner of RLWC2021, The RFL and Super League. Find out more at www.CommunityIntegratedCare.co.uk
