Lifelong Saints fans enjoy dream matchday roles

A group of people we support enjoyed life-changing volunteering experiences with our partners St Helens RLFC last week, with roles ahead of the team’s Super League ‘Inclusion Round’ fixture against Castleford Tigers at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Ten local Saints fans supported by our charity participated in several specially designed pre-match experiences, enabling them to support the operations of the club that they love and watch every week.

St Helens Women Captain and ambassador of Community Integrated Care, Jodie Cunningham, visited our Mill Point service to surprise and delight volunteers with their dream work experience roles and to request their matchday support.

From a workshop with the Saint’s first team media lead at the ‘Captain’s Run’ and setting cones out to support the ground staff, to engaging with fans within stadium concourses prior to kick off and helping the club shop with the likes of Saints stars Alex Walmsley and Konrad Hurrell – it has been described as an “unforgettable experience” by the volunteers.

This was all possible through the charity’s award-winning Inclusive Volunteering programme, synonymous with rugby league since its inception ahead of the Rugby League World Cup 2021, and their long-established partnership with the Saints Community Development Foundation, who facilitated the opportunities.

Following their placements, each volunteer and their support team finished the evening watching their beloved Saints from the stands. The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League was in action too, with over 30 Saints players representing their club with on the pitch activity during half time.

Cheryl, who is supported at Mill Point, said: “I’ve had the best day. It was a dream to volunteer for the club that I love. I am so proud of myself and my friends.”

Kurtis Marsh, Sports Inclusion Team Leader at Community Integrated Care, said: “Over the years the people we support have developed brilliant life skills and confidence through the Community Integrated Care Inclusive Volunteering Programme with rugby league. We wanted to celebrate all that they have achieved, and we’re delighted to have the support of Saints Community Foundation in activating these special experiences for their Inclusion Round fixture.

Our charity exists to enable people to live the Best Life Possible, and through our incredible partnership with St Helens and the sport of rugby league, we can make this a reality for so many. A huge thank you to all at Saints!”

Ben Hardman, Business Manager at Saints Community Development Foundation, said: “It was great to once again work with the team at Community Integrated Care, as we know all about the life changing work that they deliver locally.

As long-term partners of Saints Community Development Foundation through programmes like the Learning Disability Super League and the Inclusive Volunteering Programme, we wanted to help facilitate meaningful opportunities for the people they support that also contribute to a greater matchday experience for all. Their support of our work in disabled communities makes such an impact. We’d like to thank the volunteers for all their effort and dedication.”