Betfred Super League are proud to announce that the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League will return to Magic Weekend in 2022!
Fans attending the festival of Rugby League will have the privilege of watching and supporting a truly inspirational adapted version of the sport. Following two years of Covid-19 restrictions and precautions, everyone involved is excited to have all players back participating at major events in 2022. The exhibition fixtures will be played during half time of St Helens v Wigan Warriors on Saturday 9 and Catalans Dragons v Warrington Wolves on Sunday 10 July at St James’ Park, Newcastle.
Since making a debut appearance at the 2019 Magic Weekend in Anfield, this pioneering inclusive sports programme has gathered huge momentum. In three years, the Learning Disability Super League has received immense national attention and numerous prestigious awards, including being named as the ‘Best Innovation’ at the Great British Care Awards.
The programme now includes over 230 players from 16 Super League and Championship clubs.
Super League and Community Integrated Care will also be partnering to change lives off the field at the event too. People supported by the social care charity will also be attending the event to enjoy aspirational volunteering roles. During the 2021 Magic Weekend 30 volunteers with learning disabilities carried out roles such as, matchday photography, media and journalism duties, catering for Sky Sports broadcast team, hosting hospitality suites, and DJing in the Fan Zone.
John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities for Community Integrated Care said, “The Learning Disability Super League has changed the lives of so many people, giving them the chance to live their dreams and represent the clubs that they love. We are thrilled that the players will once again enjoy the unforgettable experience of playing at Magic Weekend.
“This weekend is being made even more special by the sport enabling the people we support at Community Integrated Care to develop new skills by volunteering in their dream jobs at the event. Our thanks go to our partners at Betfred Super League, as well as the RFL and Foundations, for sharing our commitment to making a difference through Rugby League.”
Super League marketing manager, Katy Graham said, “We are delighted to host Learning Disability Super League at Magic Weekend once again. Since establishing the programme it has been a priority for us that Learning Disability Super League players receive the same opportunities as Betfred Super League players, and playing at stadia such as St James’ Park is integral to this vision. Watching participants run out at Anfield in 2019 was both heart-warming and inspiring in equal measures. The response from fans in attendance was a testament to the hard work of Community Integrated Care, club foundations and the values of our Rugby League family.”
Timings and Teams
Saturday 9th July:
Teams: Wakefield Trinity, St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers, Widnes Vikings, Leigh Centurions, Barrow Raiders, & Sheffield Eagles.
Half-Time Game: 5.30pm (St Helens vs Wigan Warriors Betfred Super League fixture)
Sunday 10th July:
Teams: Salford Red Devils, Warrington Wolves, Hull Kingston Rovers, Hull FC, Featherstone Rovers, Newcastle Thunder, & Halifax Panthers.
Half-Time Game: 4.00pm (Catalans Dragons vs Warrington Wolves Betfred Super League fixture)
The Partnership
Community Integrated Care is one of Britain’s biggest and most successful social care charities, supporting over 3500 people who have learning disabilities, autism, mental health concerns and dementia across England and Scotland. The charity has developed several pioneering sports and social care programmes with Rugby League clubs that have been recognised at the National Dementia Care Awards, 3rd Sector Care Awards and the Great British Care Awards.
As the Official Social Care Partner of Super League, the RFL and Rugby League World Cup 2021, the charity is leading the development of a range of programmes that will use Rugby League to transform the lives of people who require care and support.
Magic Weekend 2022 tickets – https://www.eticketing.co.uk/rugbyleague/Events?preFilter=3