Leeds Rhinos host first LDSL Festival of 2024

Over 100 people with learning disabilities and autism became ‘Super League’ stars this weekend, at the first Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League (LDSL) Festival of the 2024 season.

Hosted by Leeds Rhinos Foundation on Sunday 5^th May at Leeds Modernians, Leeds Rhinos welcomed 9 other clubs including Hull FC, Hull KR, Sheffield Eagles, York RLFC, Halifax Panthers, Bradford Bulls, Wakefield Trinity, Featherstone Rovers, and Castleford Tigers.

Hailed as a fantastic showcase of this non-contact, non-competitive, accessible variant of rugby league, the day was an unforgettable experience for all participants, and especially for the players of the Halifax Panthers team, who made their LDSL Festival debut.

Six Sheffield Eagles players were also proud debutants, including Ben Tempest, Mandy Butcher, Denum Ellarby, Lucas Parker, Cameron Mounde and Mark Berry.

Across the clubs, a culture of inclusion and support was present amongst players, coaches, and families, with each player given the opportunity to shine. Alongside the on-field action, Inclusive Volunteers supported the festival in various media roles, from interviewing players pitch side to capturing photography.

This included talented local artist and Leeds Rhinos LDSL Volunteer Jenny Robinson illustrating an incredible promotional poster for the event, seen here:

I’m honoured to design the poster again for the @RugbyLeeds ldsl team. I’m so proud of you all you’re amazing people and players. Just have the best time @LDSuperLeague @ComIntCare @leedsrhinos https://t.co/DGZkRPqnV6

— Jenny Robinson (@JeniZebra) May 5, 2024

Check out these posts representing some of the best moments from the Festival from across the clubs!

We have arrived and the sun is shining!🌞

Good luck everyone💙💛@ComIntCare @LDSuperLeague pic.twitter.com/ukaTIBnis5

— Leeds Rhinos Foundation (@RugbyLeeds) May 5, 2024

𝒮𝓂𝒾𝓁𝑒𝓈 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓇𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹😁@ComIntCare @LDSuperLeague pic.twitter.com/QKt8C1O8nl

— Leeds Rhinos Foundation (@RugbyLeeds) May 5, 2024

Team work makes the dream work 👏@ComIntCare @LDSuperLeague

⚫️⚪️#LDSL #COYH pic.twitter.com/4zq9gFekCi

— Hull FC Foundation (@FCComFoundation) May 5, 2024

✅ @ComIntCare @LDSuperLeague Festival 1 – DONE!

HUGE thanks to @RugbyLeeds for hosting!

We can’t wait to do it all again next month in Hull 🤩

Eagles LD are proudly sponsored by No Limits Disability Support Services and Jay Ward Live Events 🤝🏽 pic.twitter.com/wQzXRMEAE3

— Eagles Foundation (@Eagles_Found) May 5, 2024

Brilliant day for our LDRL Panthers this weekend as we took part in our first ever competitive tournament on Sunday in Leeds 🙌🔵⚪️🐾

Great showing from the boys @LDSuperLeague @ComIntCare @hxpfoundation #BWO pic.twitter.com/XKqZdMx2VN

— Halifax Panthers 🐾 (@HalifaxPanthers) May 7, 2024

To get involved in the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League, or for further information, please visit www.ldsuperleague.co.uk