LDSL’s Matt showcases photography skills

Meet Matt, a star player for Warrington Wolves in the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League and media star for the Rugby League World Cup 2021!

Matt has enjoyed incredible experience on and off the field, thanks to Community Integrated Care’s role as the Official Social Care Partner of the Rugby Football League, Super League and Rugby League World Cup 2021.

In 2019, he achieved his dream of representing Warrington Wolves, the club he loves, playing for their Learning Disability Rugby League team. Starting his season at Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC, and finishing the year with a special celebration at the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford, his debut year was one to remember!

However, his success doesn’t end at being a Rugby League star. Matt is an active member of Community Integrated Care’s World Cup-inspired Inclusive Volunteering Programme. Taking part in our Photography and Media Clubs, he has gained new skills and made friends with many other people who share his passion for creativity.

Through these projects, he has met and worked alongside many of his inspirations, including Sky Sports Presenter Brian Carney and St Helens and England International player Jodie Cunningham.

Our charity’s specialist team enabled Matt to secure dream roles as an interviewer and photographer in the sport he loves. He accompanied both Jodie Cunningham and England Wheelchair Rugby League star, James Simpson, as the photographer at an important RLWC2021 media event. Matt helped to document RLWC celebrating the contributions of the young Warrington Wolves fan after he visited Oakwood Avenue Primary School to photograph the three Rugby League World Cup trophies, with ambassadors Jodie Cunningham and James Simpson meeting competition winner Kian Muse. This was followed by a once-in-a-lifetime experience, helping to deliver the first-ever Press Conference for the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final.

Lewis Webster, Sports Inclusion Communications Manager at Community Integrated Care, said:

“Matt has so much potential. Community Integrated Care is driven to change peoples lives and Matt’s success represents everything we are striving to do. It’s been a pleasure to see his confidence and passion for his craft grow. I’m excited by what he can achieve in the future!”

Jodie Cunningham, St Helens and England Rugby League star, said:

“It was a pleasure to work alongside Matt as the photographer on our trophy visit to Oakwood Avenue Primary School and to see him showcase the media skills he has developed as part of the inclusive volunteering programme.

We are extremely grateful to our partner Community Integrated Care for helping to create these opportunities across the tournament and for nourishing the fantastic talent across the inclusive volunteers, helping to create a truly inclusive Rugby League World Cup.”

Matt Price said:
““Being part of Community Integrated Care’s Rugby League World Cup 2021 photography club means a lot to me. I’ve had a longstanding interest in photography but was a bit unsure of how to start,” said Matt after the visit.

“When I heard about the club I jumped at the chance, as I like picking up new hobbies. The more I pick up, the more friends I can make. It’s an incredible feeling knowing I am playing a part in a massive global event.

“Normally, I would be a nervous about doing an appearance like I did with James and Jodie, as its so far out of my usual comfort zone. But I knew it would make me a better person. I’ve gained confidence and more experience from it.”