Double-Header launch for Offload programmes in York!

2 days ago
3 min read

Rugby League Cares will help bring mental health and well-being into focus at the LNER Community Stadium on Saturday, May 16, at York’s first Super League double-header of the season!

With Leon Pryce’s Valkyrie kicking off their 2026 Betfred Women’s Super League campaign against Huddersfield Giants (12pm kick off) before Mark Applegarth’s Knights facing Castleford Tigers at 3pm, it’s a perfect stage to launch the partnership between RL Cares and the York RLFC Foundation, which will run for the next two years.

The partnership will involve the “Offload” programme, the six-week mental fitness initiative that has been developed over the last decade by RL Cares for men over 18. It will be based at the LNER Community Stadium alongside an adapted Offload programme for all 16-19 year olds.

Join us to find out more about Offload at our match day stand on Saturday 16 May.

The Offload initiative has been made possible thanks to funding awarded by the York Centre for Voluntary Service (known as York CVS) through the Community Mental Health Transformation Grant Programme.

The Community Mental Health Transformation Grant Programme 2 is part of the NHS Community Mental Health Transformation, delivered locally by the York Mental Health Partnership and the 'Connecting Our City' Partnership. Local voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) support and development charity York CVS has been commissioned to manage the grant distribution.

The Community Mental Health Transformation Grant Programme 2 follows earlier funding in 2023 to deliver new ways of supporting adults experiencing serious mental ill‑health in York. By awarding additional funding, the Community Mental Health Transformation Grant Programme 2 strengthens York’s long‑term ambition to create a city where mental health support is local, accessible, co‑designed with communities, and rooted in trusted relationships.

Keith Senior, the Rugby League legend who is Head of Well-Being Programmes for Rugby League Cares, said: "It's been great to see the progress made by Rugby League in York in recent years with the success of the Knights and the Valkyrie, and we're really pleased to be working with the CVS on the introduction of Offload this summer.

“It's proven to make a massive positive impact, with a team of current and former players and coaches sharing practical techniques to help with handling stress, anxiety and depression in a supportive space.

"Since it was launched by RL Cares in 2017, Offload has enhanced the lives of men of all ages - and in recent years it's been delivered successfully to mixed age groups and genders.

"The double-header on 16 May is a good chance for us to explain the different programmes we'll be offering, with the Valkyrie's first game of the season against Huddersfield Giants followed by a first-ever men's Super League match between York and Cas.

“We're looking forward to being part of it, to help raise awareness of the work we’re going to be doing to improve men's health and well-being across York."

Adam Prentis, York RLFC Foundation Delivery Manager, added: “We’re delighted to be delivering the Offload programme in York in partnership with Rugby League Cares.

"This programme has already made a real difference nationally, and we’re excited to see the positive impact it will have locally by supporting men to improve their mental fitness, wellbeing and resilience.

“Bringing this important mental fitness and wellbeing project to the city is a real milestone for us, and it reflects our commitment to supporting better mental health outcomes for local people. Offload provides a safe, supportive environment where men can open up, build resilience and learn practical tools to manage everyday challenges.

“It’s fantastic to see the Offload programme launching in York. This is a hugely positive step for mental health support in our community and an opportunity for people to develop the confidence and skills to look after their wellbeing.

“Programmes like Offload are vital in helping break down stigma around mental health and encouraging open, supportive conversations within our community.”

The match day partner for this fixture is Menfulness, a York based men’s mental health charity which York Knights have a long standing partnership with. It provides a safe environment for men to talk, feel validated and access support from like-minded men.

As part of the partnership between the club and the charity, the Menfulness logo is now on the club warm-up shirts and in a unique dynamic, Menfulness trustee, Matty Lewis acts as Player Welfare Manager with the Knights.

For more information on the Offload programme York RLFC Foundation has to offer please email a.prentis@yorkrlfc.com or call the York RLFC Office on 01904 670 880.

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