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Learning Disability Super League

The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League is 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.

Developed in partnership by the Rugby Football League, Super League and the national social care charity Community Integrated Care, the programme has enabled more than 200 people to represent the clubs that they love.

The programme aims to promote the development of skills, confidence, and positive experiences, and make a major statement about social inclusion. This initiative is the first ever example of a professional sports league sharing its brand with a learning disability sports programme.

Excitement. Nerves. Anticipation.

300 players from across 16 Super League and Championship teams took to St James’ Park in Newcastle to play in front a record crowd of 68,000.

A purposely designed programme

Learning Disability Rugby League is a specially adapted non-competitive, inclusive version of the game, which focuses on encouraging participation and skills development.

There are no contact tackles, opting for tags instead to protect each player. Players all need support in their daily lives and cannot play mainstream rugby league. This sport ensures inclusivity to all care and support needs, and through the LDSL, we provide a platform for players to achieve their dreams playing rugby league.

To support the success of this programme, Community Integrated Care provides specialist training year-round to all participating clubs, as well as directly investing in the development of the sport.

Be a Super League star!

From Warrington Wolves to Newcastle Thunder, you could play for the team you love! Find contact details, training times and locations for each of the 13 Learning Disability Super League Team’s across the country here.

Learning disability super league player reaches out to crowd at anfield
I am so proud of the Learning Disability Super League initiative. It’s inspirational and uplifting and is everything Super League should be about.

Robert Elstone, CEO of Super League

I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League since it first launched, so I’ve seen first-hand the difference that it makes. To me, this project represents the very best of Rugby League.

Terry O Connor, Founding Ambassador of the programme

During lockdown, we enjoyed doing some online training with our Skills Journal and then slowly we got back to full training. To be now back playing with my friends and teammates in a big festival has been amazing.

Michael Duffy, who plays for Leeds Rhinos

I could never have imagined that I would have the opportunity to play for the team that I love and be part of huge Super League events.

Josh Munro, who plays for Hull KR

5 more ground-breaking years

Together with the RFL, we have changed countless lives and transformed the opportunities that exist for many disabled people in our communities.

We believe in potential

Our charity values underpin all our actions. We do rugby league differently – there are no winners, losers or draws, as we don’t keep track of the score. We focus on providing meaningful opportunities over competition, enabling players to aspire for more and achieve their dreams.

By participating in the LDSL, players make friendships to last a lifetime, in their teams and across different clubs. They experience meaningful, life changing opportunities, from playing at packed out stadiums such as Anfield, to exciting volunteering in roles at Super League events. Every moment matters.

Learning Disability Superleage Players

It's back... Learning Disability Super League returns

Bigger and better than ever… The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League returns in Warrington in April 2022, after a two-year break, with a Festival involving 22 teams from 14 different Foundations.

Discover the value of Disability Rugby League

Download The Disability Rugby League Dividend now

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities, Community Integrated Care says: “In this report, you will read that this world-first sport generates £1.2m of social impact for its communities every year. This is a mind-blowing figure and a great quantification of the rewards it generates in promoting healthier, more independent lives, and a more inclusive society.”

In partnership with:

Rugby Football League

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Betfred Super League

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Rugby League World Cup 2021

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This programme is sponsored and heavily supported by Community Integrated Care. Please ensure that the following branding rights are met on all website articles and press releases. Please download our brand guidelines here.

Full Programme title: Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League

The Sport is: Learning Disability Rugby League

The Competition / Brand is: Learning Disability Super League

The name of the social care charity is exclusively referred to as Community Integrated Care and not abbreviated to CIC.

Twitter: @LDSuperLeague

Contact Us

Kurtis Marsh

Sports Inclusion Team Leader

Old Market Court, Miners Way, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 7SP

Kurtis.Marsh@c-i-c.co.uk

 

Lewis Webster

Sports Inclusion Communications Manager

Old Market Court, Miners Way, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 7SP

lewis.webster@c-i-c.co.uk