York RLFC Foundation Secures Sport England Funding Boost

York RLFC Foundation is proud to announce it has been awarded £12,565 from the Sport England Movement Fund to support the delivery of wheelchair rugby league across Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) schools in the local community!

This vital investment will help break down barriers to participation, ensuring more young people, regardless of ability, can access the many benefits of sport. From improving physical health to boosting confidence and social connection, the programme is designed to create meaningful opportunities for those who are often underrepresented in traditional sporting environments.

Wheelchair rugby league is a truly inclusive format of the game, where disabled and non-disabled participants can play together on a level playing field. It encourages teamwork, skill development, and resilience, all within a supportive and engaging environment. For many young people, it also offers a first opportunity to experience rugby league in a way that is accessible and enjoyable.

Thanks to this funding, the Foundation will expand its delivery within SEND schools across York, providing specialist equipment, expert coaching and tailored sessions to meet the individual needs of pupils. By taking the programme directly into schools, York RLFC Foundation aims to remove barriers such as transport and access to facilities, making it easier for young people to get involved.

Dawn Shore, Inclusion Officer at York RLFC Foundation, who is leading the project, said: “It’s been fantastic to already see the impact this programme is having even within these early days of delivery within our local community. This enables us to extend our schools programme and work directly with young people.

"The feedback we’ve received from both staff and participants has been overwhelmingly positive. This funding allows us to continue building those opportunities and ensure more young people can experience the benefits of inclusive sport.”

The initiative reflects the Foundation’s wider commitment to ensuring that sport is accessible to everyone, regardless of background or ability. By investing in inclusive programmes like wheelchair rugby league, the organisation continues to play a key role in supporting the health, well-being, and inclusion of local communities.

York RLFC Foundation would like to thank Sport England for their continued support and belief in the power of sport to change lives. Our thanks also go to all the schools, staff and participants involved in making the programme such a success so far.

Anyone interested in learning more about York RLFC Foundation’s inclusive offer is encouraged to get in touch to find out how to get involved.

You can e-mail inclusion@yorkrlfc.com or call the York RLFC office on 01904 670 880.

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