Leeds Rhinos Foundation successfully completed their first six months of delivery with Aspire CBS in February working with over 200 people in Leeds with a learning disability providing rugby league and healthy eating sessions as part of a landmark partnership
Aspire CBS, who are a social enterprise, work with over 1000 people with learning disabilities across the city supporting them to have better lives through the provision of high-quality care and support services, which in September saw the charity join forces with Leeds Rhinos’ official charity.
Based at sites including Bramley, Rothwell and Cross Gates, Leeds Rhinos Foundation Disability Coordinator Chris Godfrey has led the delivery with groups from Aspire providing 12 blocks of 1 hour of coaching that explores the basic rugby and movement skills through small sided games and fun fully-inclusive mixed ability delivery.
The partnership also sees Leeds Rhinos Foundation deliver healthy living sessions giving participants access to good advice on how to live a healthier life.
Participants discuss and ask questions about how they can live a healthier lifestyle in a fun relaxed setting with Leeds Rhinos Foundation staff exploring topics such as, healthy eating, staying active and making positive diet choices.
Half term saw the completion of the first six months of partnership with more delivery now planned for the coming months.
Chris Godfrey, Disability Coordinator at Leeds Rhinos Foundation said: “It’s been really positive first six months of the partnership with lots of progress and engagement from the Aspire customers we have been working with so far.
“We expect the excitement and engagement to continue to grow as we move into the second six months of delivery, it’s clear so far with Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s involvement the Aspire customers are really re-engaging with sport and in particular rugby league.”
The sessions have been well received by all staff and customers of Aspire, who gave their feedback from the sessions:
Mandy, an Aspire Customer from Bramley commented: "I love the rugby and will miss Chris when the sessions stop."
Tracey an Aspire staff member at the centre in Bramley has also enjoyed working with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, she said: "The customers have had a great time and they love getting to play rugby with the Rhinos coaches."
Matthew an Aspire Customer at Cross Gates said: "It’s brilliant, it’s been really really fun."
Alan an Aspire Customer at Rothwell said: "I love Leeds Rhinos and I go every week to watch them and its brilliant that we can play rugby with Chris"
Mark Aspire Staff Member at Rothwell: "Everyone here gets a lot out of the sessions, they are very popular with the customers and staff alike. We have a lot of fun playing rugby with the Rhinos"
Neil Morrisroe, Operations Director with Aspire said: “We knew from the first taster events that the sessions Leeds Rhinos Foundation deliver would be popular which is why we entered into the partnership. Now customers from our day opportunities across Leeds are taking part and we’ve been overwhelmed by the positive feedback they have given us.
“Demand to participate in the sessions is high and we’re already seeing the benefits in terms of health and well-being. We’re looking forward to the next six months working in partnership with Leeds Rhinos Foundation.”
For more information on the partnership contact Chris.Godfrey@leedsrhinosfoundation.org