Disability Rugby League
 
Here in York, we have two offers for players with disabilities with both variants having the option to play in fixtures and represent York RLFC Foundation. 

Learning Disability Super League
 
York RLFC are proud to be an established team in The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League (LDSL) and the York RLFC Learning Disability Rugby League club offers an adaption of the traditional 13 a-side game to allow those with disabilities to enjoy the game of rugby league.
 
In this variant the ethos is centred around inclusion and participation. In line with our Governing body, the RFL, we do not keep scores at Festivals in this format of the game.
 
This offer is open to players with physical or learning disabilities the chance not only to train but also to represent York RLFC by playing in festivals against other well-known clubs.
 
Our players with physical disabilities can act as enablers to help other teammates with learning difficulties enjoy the game. LDRL is non-competitive, no one is keeping track of the score and instead the game is driven more towards inclusion and trying your best.
 
Our squad has a wide range of ages, abilities and backgrounds and welcomes new players with either physical or learning difficulties. Fixtures between clubs are organised on a festival basis with several of these teams coming together to provide a series of events spread across the season.
 
The team has been playing for a number of years and are one of 12 founder clubs. We have new players joining us all the time and we always encourage anymore players to come down and give our sessions a try.
 
Over the past few seasons, the team has played in some of the country's most iconic stages and events including Anfield (Liverpool FC) and St James' Park (Newcastle United).

York RLFC's LDRL side return to training on Wednesday 13th March (6pm-7pm) at the York St John University Sports Park (YO31 8TA), with all sessions running every Wednesday thereafter.
 
LDRL training sessions are FREE to attend, with participants asked to complete the following form to aid with planning purposes by clicking HERE.

Physical Disability Rugby League
 
New for 2023, we are launching a separate Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) club. We also run a separate disability rugby club that offers a competitive playing opportunity.  
 
Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) is a modified version of the game adapted for participants with a physical disability who want to access a running version of rugby league. With some clubs choosing to play full contact rugby league, or have mixture of players playing non-contact and contact within the same team.
 
PDRL was initially developed in Australia by founder George Tonna. PDRL made its way over to the UK where Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos played the first ever game of PDRL in the Northern Hemisphere in early 2018.
 
Notably since then, landmark events have taken place such as Warrington travelling to Australia to play and win in the first ever PDRL World Club Challenge. The fixture was inspired by comedian – and PDRL player – Adam Hills who is an integral part of the Warrington side and had always wanted to play for South Sydney Rabbitohs. Hills is a big advocate for PDRL bringing a documentary named ‘Adam Hills: Take His Legs’ to Channel 4 in 2019 which details Warrington’s trip Down Under.
 
PDRL is continuing to gain momentum in the UK, following the first full domestic season in 2019 and England Community Lions lifting the Rugby League World Cup in 2022. As such, we are delighted to bring you this specialise offer that allows individuals with physical disabilities the opportunity to play competitive matches against neighbouring clubs.
 
We are open to allow new players the opportunity to experience this format by wearing tag belts should they not feel comfortable playing full contact. This degree of flexibility allows us as an emerging team, the freedom to build confidence and allow both younger and less confident players the opportunity to enjoy the game.

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Sporting Futures

 

York RLFC Foundation are also pleased to confirm the return of Sporting Futures, a workshop aimed at providing employability skills to young people in North Yorkshire with learning or physical disabilities.

 

Delivered jointly with Disability Sport Yorkshire, the sessions seek to engage, motivate and inspire all participants, offering learning through practical experiences and aiming to assist individuals in identifying areas and possibilities in volunteering or employment.

 

Topics which will be covered in the 14-week Sporting Futures workshops include:

 

• Work ethic, customer service, travel training, first aid, CV and interview preparation skills

• Work experience and hands-on training in setting up changing rooms, ground maintenance, club shop assistance, programme sales and stewarding

• Event experience such as planning an event, food hygiene, menu planning, money handling, service and cafe assistance

 

Sporting Futures workshops are open to young people aged between 19-26 who are not in education, training or employment through a training programme.

 

Sporting Futures begins in April at the LNER Community Stadium (YO32 9AF), with all workshops FREE to attend. Sessions will take place on Mondays (1pm-5pm).

 

To register your interest in participating in Sporting Futures workshops, please email Inclusion Officer Dawn Shore on inclusion@yorkrlfc.com or call 01904 670880 and ask for the Foundation team.

 

For more information on Disability Rugby League, please email Inclusion Officer Dawn Shore on inclusion@yorkrlfc.com or call 01904 670880 and ask for the Foundation team. 

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