Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League Festival a success!

York RLFC Foundation proudly hosted one of the first Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League festivals of the season, as part of the club's Inclusion Day!

Teams including Bradford Bulls, Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Rovers, Halifax Panthers, Hull FC, Hull KR, Leeds Rhinos, Sheffield Eagles and Wakefield Trinity all showcased their skills at York St John University Sports Park.

Later, teams from York, Leeds, Wakefield, Sheffield and Hull played on the LNER Community Stadium pitch at half time in the Betfred Championship match between York Knights and Sheffield Eagles.

The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League is a pioneering, non-competitive rugby league programme specially designed to empower people who have learning disabilities or are autistic, who access support in their daily lives. It’s status as one of the most groundbreaking social impact programmes in the world has been confirmed this year, after being named the Care Innovation of the Year at the Great British Care Awards and Best Community Scheme at the Sports Business Awards. Independent research by Manchester Metropolitan University shows that the programme delivers over £1.2 million in social value for its communities every year through transforming lives.

With festivals being held around the country, they follow the spectacular launch of the season, highlighted by showcase matches at the Betfred Magic Weekend at St James’ Park and the Betfred Challenge Cup Semi-Final held at the Totally Wicked Stadium, collectively enjoyed by more than 75,000 passionate fans.

Community Integrated Care is one of the UK’s biggest and most successful social care charities, delivering more than 8 million hours of care and support. Driven by its ‘Best Lives Possible’ mission, it goes beyond traditional care and support – designing unique programmes, partnerships and campaigns that support a more equal and aspirational society for people who draw on care and support. As Rugby League's Official Social Care Partner, it plays an essential role in designing, delivering, and promoting this groundbreaking programme – providing specialist strategy, training and support. By uniting a leading sport and charity, this partnership enables Rugby League to be at the forefront of social change.

Bringing together hundreds of players from across rugby league communities, cheered on by families, friends and supporters, the non-competitive games were an epic celebration of inclusion and the power of rugby league.

John Hughes, Director at Community Integrated Care, said: "We’re immensely grateful to the York RLFC Foundation for their incredible effort in delivering these special festivals.

"Their dedication, alongside the unwavering support of clubs, coaches, families, and, above all, the incredible players, makes every event an unforgettable celebration of inclusion and community.

"These events make are a real source of pride for everyone associated with our charity, and demonstrate the impact of our unique partnership with the Rugby Football League and RL Commercial. We can’t wait for the season ahead.”

Speaking on behalf of the Rugby Football League, Marc Lovering, Director of Participation and Development, said: "The start of the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League festivals is always a significant and exhilarating moment in our calendar.

"This year, we've seen unprecedented progress and enthusiasm, highlighting the incredible power of rugby league and our partnership with Community Integrated Care in fostering inclusion, community spirit, and dreams.

"We look forward to continuing to build upon this momentum throughout what promises to be a truly inspiring season."

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