Dreams come true at Magic Weekend

Community Integrated Care was proud to attend this year’s Magic Weekend, showcasing our multiple award-winning projects and partnerships across the sport of Rugby League. This followed the announcement that our charity will remain Official Social Care Partner of Rugby Football League for five more years.

300 players from across 16 Super League and Championship teams took to St James’ Park in Newcastle to play in front a record crowd of 68,000 across both days, through our innovative Learning Disability Super League (LDSL).

This was the first time our LDSL returned to a jam-packed stadium since 2019, and players from across the UK experienced their dreams coming true as they took to the pitch.

Community Integrated Care’s Inclusive Volunteering Programme has provided incredible opportunities for people who access care and support to participate in fulfilling matchday voluntary roles. From baking cupcakes for Rugby League players and capturing photographs on the day, to stewarding fans and supporting LDSL players, each volunteer made their mark and continued their personal development journey.

Excitingly, our charity also welcomed both past and present Trustees to the occasion, where many experienced the skills and talents of the players in person for the first time.

During the afternoon, Trustees were invited to watch an incredible panel discussion, hosted live by BBC Sports Reporter, Ross Fiddes. With special guests; Jodie Cunningham, Women’s Super League captain for St Helens and RLWC2021 Ambassador, and Inclusive Volunteers Matt Price and Oliver Thomason. The discussion offered first-hand insights into the rewarding experiences and personal benefits each participant had gained by taking part in the volunteering programme.

Reflecting on the weekend, Nigel Lemmon, a Community Integrated Care Trustee, said, “Our ongoing partnership with Rugby League has changed countless lives both within our charity and the communities we work in, so seeing this brought to life was an incredibly special experience for me and my fellow Trustees. Hearing directly from the people who live and breathe it every day was extremely powerful.

“The Learning Disability Super League match was a fantastic spectacle and the pinnacle of what this work means to our people and our charity. This project has already torn down so many barriers for people with support needs and helped them do the things they love the most. I’m really excited to see what comes next.”

Find out more about our charity’s world-class partnerships, and how you can get involved here.