Super League celebrates our charity

Betfred Super League are proud to work alongside Community Integrated Care to change the lives of people who access care and support.

Together, the sport of Rugby League and our charity are pursuing a unique mission to promote health, happiness and inclusion through sport.

This can most clearly be seen in the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League, a world-first programme that gives people who have learning disabilities and autism the chance to play a specially adapted version of rugby league for the clubs that they love.

With more than 300 players across 18 clubs, it enables people to enjoy an adapted version of Rugby League – with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including playing at iconic stadiums such as Anfield and St James’ Park.

But the partnership is so much more than playing the game.

From campaigns to promote a more inclusive society, such as www.TheSameTeam.co.uk, our anti-bullying education programme for primary schools, to www.What-To-Do.co.uk, a unique website that gives people free live accessible activities every day, we are leading new innovations to promote inclusion and opportunity together.

Community Integrated Care proudly collaborates with many Super League clubs to deliver inclusive volunteering, which helps people to grow in confidence and independence.

From assisting at the Betfred Super League season launch event to guide players between their interviews, to DJing in the fan zone for Magic Weekend, this gives hundreds of people a unique platform to fulfil their talents and access a brighter future.

On Friday night, in celebration of the volunteering project, at the Wigan Warriors vs Warrington Wolves match there will be a number of exciting opportunities for participants. If you’re attending the game, look out for the volunteers in the fan zone assisting in running the community tent, delivering the match ball, a guard of honour, a DJ set, Man of the Match presentation, and more!

Keep an eye out over the next week for some excellent written and video pieces which delve into the importance and impact of this ever-flourishing partnership.

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, says: “It is an honour to have Super League shine a light on our charity this week. Our partnership with Super League, and the wider Rugby League family, has enabled thousands of people to experience unforgettable moments, develop their talents, and find friendships and purpose. There is nothing like it in sport. We are so proud of every single one our players, volunteers and participants, and the colleagues who make these opportunities possible. We can’t wait to see their achievements celebrated on Super League’s stage.”

Ahead of tonight’s Locker Cup match, Wigan Warriors Marketing Manager, Michelle Byrne, says: “It’s fantastic to have volunteers from Learning Disability Super League with us today. From gaining media experience in the press box and interviewing our Head Coach Matt Peet to taking tips off our Club photographer, we hope they have a great experience with us and take a lot from the day. Also taking place in Round 22 we have a Learning Disability Super League exhibition fixture taking place at the Totally Wicked Stadium ahead of the Channel 4 clash between St Helens and Castleford Tigers.”

Oliver Thomason channels his inner @alanshearer 🙋🏼‍♂️

Watch the full feature now on @C4Sport YouTube 👉 https://t.co/KUmWDqmsqE#C4Sport | #C4League | #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/mPrGFfcH0M

— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) July 29, 2022