On Sunday 29th April, the Leeds Rhinos Foundation was proud to welcome a group from Leeds Asylum Seekers’ Support Network (LASSN) to our Community Hub for a special matchday experience at AMT Headingley Stadium.
The occasion saw Leeds Rhinos take on league leaders Warrington Wolves, a celebration marking 30 years of Super League.
Through the dedication of a LASSN volunteer – whose love for the Rhinos helped spark the opportunity, nine households were able to attend the game together. For many, it was their first experience of live rugby league, and for some, their first time attending a major sporting event in the UK.
Here at the Foundation, our community hub exists as a safe, welcoming space where individuals and groups can come together, feel included and access opportunities they may not otherwise have.
Commenting on the experience, one participant said: “I feel freedom. I felt like I wasn’t discriminated against and was just like a citizen here. When they scored, along with the music and the drums, the twinkling lights and the fireworks, I felt so happy.” Whilst others cheered along with the South Stand, one dancing at the end, beaming and shouting, “I won, I won!”
David Skivington, Senior Project Manager at Leeds Asylum Seekers’ Support Network said: “There’s something powerful about days like this. When we sit together, follow the same match, feel the same buzz when a try is scored.
“For a while, everything else drops away. We can share something simple and real – and that’s often where a sense of belonging begins.”
Bob Bowman, CEO at Leeds Rhinos Foundation added: “Here at the Foundation, our aim is to Change Lives Through the Power of Sport and our Community Hub allows us to do just that.
“For these people it is more than just a game of rugby league, it is an experience that makes them feel valued and like they belong, and it is a real honour to be a part of that.”
We hope that everyone from the Leeds Asylum Seekers’ Support Network had an amazing time with us and we hope to welcome you back to AMT Headingley in the near future!