Learning Disability Super League shines at Magic Weekend

Almost 300 people lived their greatest dreams playing for the rugby league clubs that they love at one of Britain’s most incredible stadiums. The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League was showcased to tens of thousands of people at Magic Weekend, rugby league’s hallmark summer event, at the Hill Dickinson Stadium – the Premier League home of Everton.

On Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July, players from across the inclusive competition played at the sold-out 53,000-capacity stadium in a special half-time exhibition. With coverage live on Sky Sports and the support of fans from all of England’s Super League clubs, the game was a powerful demonstration of Community Integrated Care’s Best Lives Possible mission in action.

The Learning Disability Super League is a groundbreaking non-competitive format of rugby league, specially designed by Community Integrated Care in partnership with the Rugby Football League. Coaches in the programme are empowered by specialist training and resources developed by the charity to deliver a format that promotes independence on and off the field. The programme is designed to address the health and social inequalities often experienced by people with learning disabilities and autistic people, whilst also creating enhanced opportunities and support through Community Integrated Care’s wider programmes and partnerships.

The initiative aims to inspire a more inclusive society by showcasing talent, potential and inclusion on the game’s biggest stages. This impact was further amplified at Magic Weekend by four people supported by Community Integrated Care – Matt Price, Holly Holder, Jade Wood and Lee Hainsworth – who all had the opportunity to showcase their talents by conducting post-match interviews live on Sky Sports. The opportunity built on skills they have developed through Community Integrated Care’s innovative sports-inspired personal development programmes.

This year, Community Integrated Care celebrates a decade of impact in rugby league. The partnership, which has been recognised through awards including Best Model of Integrated Care, Best Sports Community Scheme and Care Innovation of the Year, has helped to open up every dimension of the sport – discovery, participation, fandom, volunteering and learning. Through a range of innovative approaches, the partnership has helped create enabling communities and a genuine sense of belonging within rugby league.

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, said: “Magic Weekend is a moment that the players and their families will remember for the rest of their lives. To represent the clubs they love, at one of rugby league’s biggest events, in front of tens of thousands of supporters and a national television audience, is a dream come true.”

“This programme demonstrates the impact of bold, ambitious programmes that have partnership working and the lives experience at their heart. Together with our partners across the game, we have created opportunities a platform that not only enables people to play the game they love, but to be also visible, valued and celebrated at the very heart of it. And importantly, the strength of memories created on the field are matched by the impact created off it.

“As we celebrate a decade of partnership with rugby league, we’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved, and grateful to the Rugby Football League, RL Commercial, clubs, foundations and supporters who continue to play an invaluable role in our Best Lives Possible mission.”

Mitch Woodham, who plays for Leeds Rhinos, said: “The Learning Disability Super League has changed my life. Through rugby league and the support of the charity, I’ve made great friends, grown in confidence and had opportunities that I never thought would be possible.”

“Playing for Leeds Rhinos and taking part in experiences like Magic Weekend are things I could only have dreamed about a few years ago. The support from Community Integrated Care and Leeds Rhinos has helped me believe in myself, try new things and achieve more than I ever imagined.”

“I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m grateful for all of the opportunities and friendships that gave been brought into my life.”

You can find out more about our Partnerships & Communities work here