Inclusive Rugby League Inspiring All!

York RLFC Learning Disability Super League team was one of 12 teams that took part in the latest Regional Community Integrated Care Festival, held on Sunday 17th August at the DIY Kitchen Stadium in Wakefield.

Throughout the year, the team plays in several regional festivals across the country. Many are played in famous stadiums and hosted by club Foundation teams.

Earlier in the year York RLFC held a festival of our own, but this time the team took to the road for the short trip to West Yorkshire.

Supporting the team on the day were three coaches, including two new coaches to the LDRL Super League, Michael Embleton and Tommy Hill.

Our longest serving coach, Chris Kelly, has been with our Learning Disability team since its inception and has been with the team for over 5 years.

About the Festival, Tommy said: "A fantastic morning with the York RLFC LD team. Such a lovely group of people that played some fantastic stuff!"

Michael added: "I'm honoured to be involved with such an amazing group of individuals who are showing passion and having fun in a sport that I love. It is very rewarding being part of this special community which involves lots of fun, laughs and inspiration”

York RLFC Foundation Inclusion officer, Dawn Shore said: "The feedback from the players and staff at the festival has been really positive.

"Our players look forward to playing in these fixtures and enjoy playing against the other teams.

"It has reached the stage now in which they catch up with friends they have made at other clubs and make new friends on the day. The atmosphere created is something special and allows the whole programme able to offer something different and represent the club and the City at our sport.

'We put a call out for volunteers for the LDRL squad, and Michael and Tommy immediately responded. Over the past four weeks, they have attended every training session and brought their enthusiasm and experience to the sessions.

"This year, we have been able to expand our coaching staff in order to give as much support to the group as possible. Some members need 1-to-1 support, which we are now able to give. We are striving to be as inclusive as possible and cater for the wide range of abilities within our team.

"Having Tommy and Michael join our coaching staff has been a great addition. Eden Clayton is another example of a volunteer getting involved and adding to the programme.

"We have new players joining us all the time, and we always encourage more players to come down and give our sessions a try.

"We would like to thank Wakefield Trinity Foundation for hosting and for their hospitality."

Our LDRL squad return will now have a short summer break and return to training at the York St John University Sports Park (YO31 8TA) on Wednesday, 3rd September, with sessions running every Wednesday thereafter.

York RLFC is proud to be an established team in The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League (LDSL). Having launched in 2019, the club offers an adapted version of the traditional 13-a-side game to allow those with disabilities to enjoy rugby league.

In this version of the game, the ethos is centred around inclusion and participation. In line with our Governing body, the RFL, we do not keep scores at festivals.

It's open to players aged 16 or over with learning disabilities, and not only does it give them a chance to train, there's also the opportunity to represent York RLFC by playing in festivals against other well-known clubs.

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.

#RiseUp | #WeAreYork | #Together