An incredible day at the Super League Final

People supported by Community Integrated Care were at the heart of this season’s Men’s Betfred Super League Grand Final, through specialist volunteering opportunities and tickets to watch the game live at Old Trafford.

Through our charity’s official social care partnership with the Rugby Football League (RFL) and Super League, people with learning disabilities enjoyed extraordinary voluntary media placements at the pre-game press events in the build-up the Grand Final.

With entry to the official press conference, pitch side access to film and capture photography of players and coaches, and a tour of Manchester United’s changing rooms, this was a unique approach to promoting inclusion on the sport’s biggest stages.

The volunteering opportunities came about as part of our charity’s award-winning Inclusive Volunteering Programme, which empowers people who access care and support to participate in life changing volunteering opportunities, learning new skills and developing confidence, inspired by and delivered through major sporting, arts, and cultural events.

From interviewing eventual Grand Final winners’, Wigan Warriors’ star Jai Field, and Head Coach, Matt Peet, to creating social media content with Catalan Dragons’ star Sam Thomkins, and Head Coach, Steve McNamara, these innovative and aspirational roles gave self-belief to the volunteers.

In recognition of their invaluable and exciting contribution to the event, volunteers and Community Integrated Care colleagues then had the opportunity to attend the game, thanks to a generous ticket donation from the RFL and Super League, with many enjoying their first ever experiences of rugby league.

Phil, an Inclusive Volunteer from Stockport, said, “I really enjoyed interviewing the players and coaches. I am new to Rugby League, so this was a good chance for me to find out more. I liked practising my media skills and the going to Old Trafford for the first time. I loved going to the Final and hearing the fans sing. I’ll never forget it.”

Lewis Webster, Sports Inclusion Communications Manager at Community Integrated Care said, “This year’s Grand Final represented everything that is exceptional about Community Integrated Care’s Inclusive Volunteering Programme, and our exciting, long-term partnership with RFL and Super League which is continuing to transform the lives of many disabled people in our communities. It’s not every day that you get to interact with the games’ biggest stars, in one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues, ahead of the biggest game of the season – a truly special moment for people we support and our amazing support teams – who make these opportunities possible. We’re so thankful that through the tickets donation by RFL and Super League, they were able to enjoy a thrilling game.”

Find out more about our charity’s Inclusive Volunteering and other partnerships here.