York RLFC Foundation gets funding boost from Parkinson's UK!

sharonshortle
1 day ago
2 min read

York RLFC Foundation is celebrating a grant of more than £2,500 from Parkinson’s UK Physical Activity Grants Programme!

The Foundation has received £2,569.50 towards our Walking Rugby League programme.

In September 2025, York RLFC Foundation piloted a series of Walking Rugby League taster sessions, thanks to funding from Humber and North Yorkshire Health Care Partnership.

The adapted sessions proved to be very popular and an immediate success, demonstrating their benefit and the need for them to continue well into 2026!

The funding means that sessions will return to the LNER Community Stadium in the new year. If you are interested in getting involved, get in touch now to be put on our mailing list!

Sessions are open to both men and women, and although traditionally aimed at anyone over 50 years old, everyone is welcome to attend our sessions!

Walking rugby league is a modified version of rugby league designed to be accessible to a wider range of ages and abilities. It's a non-contact sport where players walk, not run, and tackles are replaced with two-handed touches. It highlights social interaction, fitness and fun, making it an inclusive activity for both men and women.

Research shows physical activity can play a large role in helping individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's. The benefits include helping to build strength, flexibility and endurance while also improving mental health and sleep patterns.

Adam Prentis, York RLFC Delivery Manager, said: "I am really pleased with the success of the initial sessions and the willingness of individuals to come forward and get involved with the programme. Dawn (Shore) and Tony (Gargan) have been great at adapting sessions and making our participants feel welcome.

"We wanted to build and construct a programme using the feedback from participants to shape sessions going forward. The funding awarded enables us to build on the momentum we have gained so far and continue to grow this offer.

"We are pleased to add walking rugby to our inclusive offer, allowing more people to enjoy the sport in a format that suits them. We see this as an increase in our capacity and capability to deliver and serve the local community.

"The health benefits of keeping active at all ages are well documented and together with the offer of the social element of a hot drink following the game and getting together, it's an important draw of the programme and it'll help with participant retention.

"I would like to thank Parkinson's UK for this award and look forward to seeing the programme flourish.”

Ana Mazuran, Physical Activity Support Officer, Parkinson's UK said: "Parkinson's UK is proud to award York RLFC Foundation funding through the Physical Activity Grants 2025 Programme to deliver Walking Rugby sessions. We greatly support this initiative and appreciate the commitment to making lives better for people living with Parkinson's."

All are welcome!

For more information, please contact Dawn Shore, York RLFC Foundation Inclusion Officer inclusion@yorkrlfc.com or call the York RLFC office on 01904 670880 and ask for the Foundation team.

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