Learning Disability Super League (LDSL)
Disability Rugby
Disability Rugby
Super League (Europe) and the Rugby Football League (RFL) have partnered with the national social care charity Community Integrated Care to form a ground-breaking inclusive sports programme for people with learning disabilities and autism.
The ‘Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League’ gives people with learning disabilities the opportunity to play an adapted version of Rugby League, in a series of high-profile festivals and events.
The programme aims to promote the development of skills, confidence and positive experiences for people with learning disabilities, and make a major statement about social inclusion.
This is a world-first initiative as a professional sports league shares its brand with a learning disability sports programme. The inclusive competition continues to grow with 14 Club Foundations now represented in the Learning Disability Super League- including Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, York City Knights, Hull FC and Hull KR.
Learning Disability Rugby League is a specially adapted non-competitive game, which focuses on encouraging participation and skills development.
The programme launched at the Betfred Super League’s Dacia Magic Weekend event, held at Liverpool’s iconic Anfield Stadium. This provided one of the biggest ever crowds for a learning disability sport event, with participants getting the chance to emulate their heroes by playing on the hallowed turf before thousands of rugby league fans.
Throughout the year they will enjoy the opportunity to play against other teams in fun festival-style events, as well as develop their skills and gain work experience through the RLWC2021 Inclusive Volunteering Programme in conjunction with Community Integrated Care.
Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan has also signed up as an Ambassador for the programme, visiting the team at training sessions and festivals to offer advice and basic skills training.
The LDSL programme is part of a wider strategic partnership between Community Integrated Care, the Super League and the RFL, which aims to develop and enhance the community programmes provided by the sport to people with care and support needs.
For more information, visit https://www.c-i-c.co.uk/.
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