Ahead of tonight’s Inclusion Round double-header at the Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens RFC and the Saints Community Development Foundation (SCDF) have today launched a new Wheelchair Rugby League team.
Following England Wheelchair’s inspiring success at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup last Autumn, in which Wheelchair Rugby League got wide and well-deserved attention, the club began work with the SCDF to launch a Wheelchair provision within the Foundation’s community teams.
This new team joins the club’s existing inclusive sides such as the country’s biggest Learning Disability Rugby League (LDRL), and the soon-to-be re-launched Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) team.
In partnership with St Helens RFC, the Saints Community Development Foundation is an independent charitable trust that works within the local community of St Helens and beyond, offering a wide array of programmes and initiatives.
Commenting on the launch of the club's new Wheelchair side, St Helens CEO Mike Rush, said: “The Foundation and the Club are beyond delighted that work’s begun to bring Wheelchair Rugby League to the people in the community of our town.
“Seeing the success of the sport at the Rugby League World Cup shows just how positive playing the game can be for people from all sorts of backgrounds, regardless of limitations. Rugby league is a game for all, and this is yet another showcase that we at St. Helens want everyone to be part of our game.”
SCDF Director Steve Leonard, added: “This is an exciting project as the Saints Community Development Foundation seeks to increase the opportunities for people in our community to play rugby league.
“We’ve seen the success of our LDRL side being the biggest in the country, we’re re-launching our PDRL team, and now to have in the future a Wheelchair Rugby League side wearing the Red V will be just as special to see.”
The SCDF is in the early stages of launching its Wheelchair Rugby League team and are asking those who wish to register their interest to please email SCDF@saintsrlfc.com.
