York RLFC Foundation celebrates Season Launch in style!

York RLFC Foundation has marked its annual season launch in style, inviting players, volunteers, coaches, teachers, staff, and partners to not only review 2025 but also to take a look ahead to the 2026 season!

Separate to the main club awards, the Foundation's focus is on inclusive, local community initiatives, including disability rugby and school programmes.

The event at the LNER Community Stadium also honoured those who have contributed to the Foundation's successes. The evening reflected on specific highlights, including reaching a new record figure of engaging with over 30,000 people in 2025. The Foundation has seen progress in several areas, including 90 players attending social touch RL sessions, 250 boys registered to the Excel Lions player development programme, and other considerable progress made in player development initiatives.

On the night, four trophies were given out, recognising the efforts of four individuals as well as several others who made significant contributions.

YORK RLFC WHEELCHAIR AWARD WINNERS

Coaches Player of The Year - Seb Mountain

Players Player of The Year - Jamie Jukes

YORK RLFC LDRL AWARD WINNERS

Coaches Player of The Year - Dan Onyett

Players Player of The Year – Jordan Wilkey

York RLFC Foundation Manager, Adam Prentis, said: "To see so many people turn out on the night and have so many good things to say about the Foundation was a real positive.

"I would like to thank all those who were able to join us, as well as those who couldn’t make it on the night, for their contributions.

"As a Foundation, we are proud to offer a wide-ranging, diverse programme which we will continue to review and look to make further improvements in the future.

"We have a strong community backing these programmes, which are set to continue year on year.

"We remain focused on achieving this growth and building on our current offer. Throughout the year, we have had dozens of people raise money for the Foundation through various fundraising initiatives. Its contributions, such as these and from commercial partners and funders who allow us to function and reach our potential.

"My congratulations to those who picked up an award on the night."

The Foundation operates as a registered charity with a mission to "Inspire Communities and Change Lives", delivering projects to thousands of people annually, focusing on education, health, and rugby league.

In education, we are now delivering in 55 primary schools and 15 secondary schools across North Yorkshire. Our partnership with men’s health support group Menfulness has continued to grow and help support the local community.

We also celebrated offering over 100 participants wheelchair test sessions, and 31 registered wheelchair players playing within the competitive framework. Our long-standing Learning Disability Super League team also welcomed new members and attended several regional festivals. We’ve also established a satellite club based in Riccall, Selby, offering more participants with learning disabilities to experience the sport, run in partnership with Bee-able.

Other recent initiatives include the Foundation securing funding for projects like Walking Rugby, working in partnership with Parkinson's UK.

Thank you to Barclays for their help selling raffle tickets, and to everybody who supported this fundraising initiative. The winners have now been contacted about their prizes.

We are currently looking for kit sponsors ahead of the 2026 season for our Learning Disability Super League team and our Wheelchair teams. In return, prospective sponsors would receive their logo on the shirt, recognition on social media and website. To discuss sponsorship opportunities further, please email n.gulliver@yorkrlfc.com.

For anyone looking to find out more about the work of the Foundation, please contact a.prentis@yorkrlfc.com or call 01904 670880 and ask to speak to a member of the Foundation team.

#OurEra | #ThisisYork ⚔