Celebrating National Learning Disability Week with RFL

Community Integrated Care and the Rugby Football League have teamed up to celebrate National Learning Disability Week 2025, showcasing a pioneering partnership that is transforming lives through the power of sport.

As the Official Social Care Partner of rugby league, the charity has a groundbreaking social impact collaboration with the RFL and RL Commercial that has delivered a diverse range of life-changing programmes and support for people who draw on social care.

Together, they have co-created innovative programmes, including the world-first Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League, an inclusive sports initiative that empowers people with learning disabilities to represent their clubs that they love in adapted games of non-competitive rugby league.

The centrepiece of Learning Disability Week was a unique online experience hosted on www.What-To-Do.co.uk, featuring England and Leeds Rhinos star Harry Newman. Delivered in partnership with Leeds Rhinos Foundation, the session combined accessible exercise with Harry’s personal insights on healthy living. This powerful collaboration reflects the charity’s commitment to tackling health inequalities through sport and ensuring that people with learning disabilities are supported to lead healthier, more active lives.

In the build-up to the week, the charity and the RFL launched an Easy Read Guide to the Betfred Challenge Cup Final, opening the doors of Wembley Stadium to many new and existing fans with learning disabilities, making one of rugby league’s greatest spectacles more accessible than ever before.

Celebrations continued with several players and people supported by Community Integrated Care receiving special surprise gifts, recognising their achievements in delivering a live post-match interview with Jenna Brooks on Sky Sports at Magic Weekend. Receiving framed images of their bold moment on the hallowed St James’ Park pitch, the gifts are a poignant memento that will remind them of their successes and inspire future dreams.