The return of the Learning Disability Super League!

The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League made its big return with a special festival at Victoria Park in Warrington in April, with 22 teams from 14 different Rugby League Foundations taking part in the exciting event. 

In the words of some of the players, who assembled at Headingley Stadium to create a special promotional video: “It’s back – bigger and better than ever. The awe-inspiring, boundary-breaking, world first, Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League. Bringing sport and social inclusion together – to change lives.”

The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League was launched by our charity in 2019, in partnership with Super League and the Rugby Football League. The programme memorably kicked off at Dacia’s Magic Weekend at the home of Liverpool Football Club, Anfield, later that year and has since gone on to provide more than 250 players with countless memorable moments and life-changing opportunities.

Following a two-year break thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Learning Disability Super League teams, players and their families were delighted to see the sport return in the biggest festival yet, hosted at Victoria Park in Warrington.

The foundations of five Betfred Championship clubs – Barrow Raiders, Featherstone Rovers, Leigh Centurions, Widnes Vikings and York City Knights – joined the Betfred Super League clubs Castleford Tigers, Hull FC, Hull KR, Leeds Rhinos, Salford Red Devils, St Helens, Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors, to take part in the highly-anticipated tournament.

Sharon Woodham, parent of Leeds Rhinos LDSL player, Mitch, shared her thoughts on the tournament on social media: “I watched my son and more than 200 other people with Autism or Learning Disabilities live their dreams at the opening festival – it’s a truly inspiring event that melts my heart.”

Craig Thomason, Community Integrated Care’s Partnerships and Communities Manager said: “We were thrilled to kick off the 2022 Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League season once again. This ground-breaking programme has changed hundreds of lives and given many people the opportunity to live their dreams.”

“This will be the biggest and best season yet. Our charity has been delighted to partner with the RFL and Super League to provide training and support to every participating club. It’s been inspiring to see the passion, excitement, and commitment that every Foundation has for delivering the best experiences possible.”

“We’d like to thank all our partners for their dedication, and we wish the players and their families all the best for an amazing season ahead.”

Chris Godfrey, the RFL’s Social and Inclusion Manager said: “The 2022 season feels like a fresh start for the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League. And with the continued growth, and more participants than ever, there is a lot to be excited about! More teams mean bigger events, and even more life-changing experiences for those involved.”

Find out more about the Learning Disability Super League here.