York RLFC Foundation To Deliver ‘On The Same Team’

York RLFC Foundation is delighted to have secured funding to deliver “On The Same Team” a pioneering programme developed by Community Integrated Care in partnership with Rugby League, to empower compassionate, inclusive attitudes in young people.

The new funding provided by the York and North Yorkshire Office for Policing, Fire, Crime and Commissioning’s Community Fund, will support over 6,000 young people across 24 locations in the City of York to help address bullying and discrimination.

On The Same Team offers simple and inspiring education that helps young people to understand the impact of their words and behaviours on other people, and how we all thrive when we’re On The Same Team. Using the stories of rugby league role models and players in Community Integrated Care’s Learning Disability Super League, it is uniquely powerful and engaging.

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, says, “We are thrilled to see York RLFC Foundation secure this incredible programme and we are inspired by the scale of their ambitions. The opportunity to inspire 6000 young people to reflect upon their beliefs and values, and understand the impact of bullying and discrimination, can support generational change – supporting safer and more supportive schools and communities.”

The programme was developed by Community Integrated Care as a response to rising hate crime and discrimination in society. It has recently won the prestigious ‘Co-Production Award’ at the Great British Care Awards for its innovation and impact. As an early intervention project, it leverages the powerful influence of rugby league – a sport deeply rooted in community spirit and inclusivity – to create a platform for education and change.

On The Same Team addresses the trauma, damage and impact of crime, anti-social behaviour, bullying and hate crime on disabled and vulnerable communities. With 20,000 young people signing up for this programme to date, it’s making a lasting difference.

Adam Prentis, York RLFC Foundation Delivery Manager, said, “We’re extremely excited by this news and look forward to working on this project. With this level of funding, we can make a significant impact in addressing hate crime, anti-bullying, and promoting inclusion – issues that our Foundation is deeply passionate about. This programme emphasises that all members of our society deserve equal opportunities, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, age, disability, or sexual orientation.”

He continues, “I would like to thank York and North Yorkshire Office for Policing, Fire, Crime and Commissioning, York CVS, City of York Council, Humber and North Yorkshire Care Partnership for commissioning the work and helping us use the fantastic resources that Community Integrated Care have produced.”

Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, said,“Bullying can have a devastating impact on people’s mental and physical health and can even cross the line into criminal activity. Mayor David Skaith and I are committed to ensuring safe spaces for all. Sports are a powerful enabler, to connect communities and build confidence and aspiration. Key to the mayor’s vision for communities is early intervention. Giving young people access to strong role models and encouraging honest conversation is one of the best forms of early intervention.”

“I am delighted that the Community Fund has supported the ‘On the same team’ programme, as it has so many others, using sport as a way to help young people understand the impact of their words and actions, and where to get help if they are victims of bullying themselves.”