The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League gives people with learning disabilities and autism the opportunity to play an adapted version of Rugby League.
Location: Widnes, Cheshire
The programme promotes the development of skills, confidence and positive experiences, to encourage people living with learning disabilities and autism to get involved with playing rugby. This world-first initiative is the first ever example of a professional sports league sharing its brand with a learning disability sports programme.
The Learning Disability Super League is a specially adapted non-competitive game, which focuses on encouraging participation and skills development. To support the success of this programme, Community Integrated Care provided specialist training to all participating clubs, as well as direct investment into the sport.
The league launch was attended by 56,869 rugby league was the first ever example of a professional sports league sharing its brand with a learning disability sports programme.
Hundreds of people took part in the initiative with the teams having the chance to show their skills throughout multiple games, promoting inclusion in sport and providing invaluable social and life skills to the players who participated.
Mark Adams, Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League Chief Executive, said:
We’re delighted to have been shortlisted for the Best Community Group Contribution to Sport and Physical Activity at this year’s Groundwork Community Awards. The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League has had a phenomenal first year. It has been truly inspirational, seeing the passion and excitement from the players, when they represent the clubs that they love.
This has only been possible because of the values and commitment of Super League, the RFL, the clubs, and the entire rugby league family. This project delivers more than just the opportunity to participate in the great game of rugby league – it brings communities together, creating unforgettable opportunities and changes lives
