As part of Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s commitment to making sport accessible for all, the charity is continuing its work with St James’s Place Foundation to support Leeds based Specialist Inclusive Learning Centres (SILCS).
Following the award of funding from St James’s Place Foundation in 2015, Leeds Rhinos Foundation staff have worked in SILCS across the city, offering taster sessions to engage people with special educational needs and disabilities in rugby and other sports.
This year the charity has enhanced its delivery within SILCS by providing high quality physical education with Key stages 2 and 3 through Tag Rugby coaching, using innovative approaches to include young disabled people in school sport.
Commenting on the delivery, Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s, Chris Godfrey said:
“Our charity is passionate about engaging and inspiring all young people, regardless of their age or ability, so that they have the chance to take part in physical education and meaningful sport and enjoy being active.
“It has been a real privilege to come and work with some of the young students across Leeds in the SILCS and partnership schools. The students are always excited to do some physical activity and we hope this gives them the confidence to enjoy disability sport going forward.”
The East SILC at John Jamieson School and Technology College has enjoyed coaching delivery from Leeds Rhinos Foundation with their pupils. Jo Brain, who is the PE teacher at the East SILC said:
“Chris is an exceptional coach who is able to tailor each session to the individual needs of the pupils. Each pupil has made outstanding progress in their understanding and confidence in rugby. His passion and enthusiasm is contagious."
Bradley, 16, who attends the East SILC added:
"I have really enjoyed the coaching because I am able to learn new tactics. It has also helped me to work as a team with my class mates and pass to my different friends."
In September there will be the opportunity for students attending SILCS to play at the home of Leeds Rhinos, in the annual National Disability Tag Festival which takes place at Headingley Carnegie Stadium.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation will be expanding delivery in Leeds for the next academic year to incorporate some of the special needs departments in partnership schools, starting with Temple Moor High School in September as well as, working with more adult groups.