Rugby League World Cup 2021’s (RLWC2021) pledge to put social impact at the heart of the tournament was further underlined today by the announcement of a ground-breaking ‘Innovation Academy’ to benefit communities in the game’s heartlands.
The Innovation Academy is a triple layered programme that focusses on offering internships, placements and voluntary projects that are accessible to everyone. RLWC2021 will work with Community Integrated Care, the tournament’s Official University Partner Manchester Metropolitan University, and other academic organisations including UA92 and Leeds Beckett University, to deliver these opportunities to a wide ranging and diverse group to ensure the tournament can serve as a meaningful and impactful professional experience.
The programme will provide opportunities for new talent to gain a hands-on experience in the lead up to – and during – this world-class global tournament. It will also offer a chance to develop skills in a unique working environment, either as part of on-going studies, as a first role following graduation, or as part of a career transition.
The programme will offer important roles with real responsibility and expectations to deliver to world class standards and is now open for expressions of interest. The applicants will benefit from ‘on the job’ learning and will be surrounded by experts working on this major sporting event.
Community Integrated Care, as the Official Social Care Partner for the tournament, will be working with the Innovation Academy team to find rewarding vocational opportunities for people who have care and support needs.
John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, says: “The commitment by the RLWC2021 organisers to ensuring that the tournament provides life changing opportunities is inspirational.
Unfortunately, many people who have support needs experience real barriers to finding and enjoying aspirational voluntary or paid work opportunities. The platform provided by the Innovation Academy for people to develop their skills and experience through this iconic global event is incredible. We thank the RLWC2021 for their vision in developing this programme and look forward to supporting people to follow their dreams at the tournament.”
Jon Dutton, the RLWC2021 Chief Executive said: “The Innovation Academy is another example of the promise we have made in regard to making a tangible and measurable impact on a social level.”
“It is a fantastic opportunity to develop experience and be part of a world class team delivering a global sporting event that will be watched by millions around the world. We talk often of our values around inclusivity and accessibility and there is no better programme than the Innovation Academy to see those values in action.”
To learn more and express interest in being part of the Innovation Academy visit: rlwc2021.com/innovationacademy
