York RLFC Foundation celebrates donation from Pavers Foundation!

York RLFC Wheelchair Rugby League team has benefited from a £1500 donation from the Pavers Foundation, to help maintain and service its wheelchairs!

The Pavers Foundation awards grants to charities and community groups through an employee-led programme at the York based business. The Foundation allocates funds for health, education, and community initiatives with a significant portion of grants awarded based on employee nominations and customer input.

The donation comes in York Disability Week, an annual programme of inclusive events in the city that celebrates and promotes disability rights, well-being, and inclusion.

With Wheelchair Rugby League having grown immensely in the past three years following England’s World Cup success, our own team has developed through a legacy funding programme.

Wheelchair Rugby League is unique in offering both disabled and non-disabled players the opportunity to compete both with and against each other.

Clubs across the UK have been set up to help improve the physical well-being of players and provide a chance to play rugby league for individuals who are either unable to or have no desire to participate in the running game.

Lia Thompson, an employee of Pavers who nominated York RLFC Foundation for the donation, is a strong supporter of their work. She said:

“The funding for the York RLFC Foundation was successful due to the impact the foundation has on the community. In the application, I explained how the foundation works with a variety of people within the community, primary schools, secondary schools, York College, women and girls’ teams, a wheelchair team and the LD Disability Rugby League team.

"The York RLFC Foundation allows for inclusivity within the world of Rugby League, which helps break down barriers to participation, creates a sense of belonging, and ensures that people of all ages and abilities can experience the positive impact of sport within their community.

"These community programmes play a vital role in building players’ confidence, helping them develop their skills within the sport and feel truly part of a team. They create inclusive environments where everyone is encouraged to get involved and feel valued, regardless of their background or ability. It was important to apply for this grant to give the York RLFC foundation the facilities it needs to continue creating an environment everyone can be a part of.”

Dawn Shore, York RLFC Inclusion Officer, said:

"We are delighted to have received funding from Pavers for our Foundation. Upgrading our wheelchairs will mean that we can grow in the coming years, deliver training sessions, and participate in this fantastic, all-inclusive sport.

"We have used wheelchairs in schools, colleges and universities and community settings to help promote this growing sport. Since the club started, we have had over 50 players registered to play in competitive games and hundreds more enjoying taster sessions.

"This funding will help towards the sustainability of our club and enable us to purchase new equipment to use for new players joining the sport. I would like to thank Lia and the Pavers Foundation for their support.’’

For more information, whether you're interested in volunteering, playing, or sponsoring our Wheelchair Rugby League programme, please contact Inclusion Officer Dawn Shore on inclusion@yorkrlfc.com or call 01904 670880 and ask for the Foundation team.

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