Rugby League Cares showcases its wellbeing work to the world's biggest sports

The world-class level of player welfare delivered to the sport’s most important stakeholders by the RFL's long-standing partner Rugby League Cares is being recognised at a conference in New York this week.

RL Cares Director of Wellbeing Steve McCormack has flown to the US after being invited to outline aspects of the charity’s work to fellow members of the Professional Association of Athlete Development Specialists (PAADS).

Steve will detail how RL Cares supports stakeholders both during their careers and post-retirement using evidence-based research.

Other sports represented at the PAADS conference are Major League Soccer (MLS, National Basketball Association (NBA), National Football League (NFL), Premier League football and Australia’s NRL.

“It says much about the high regard in which our programmes are viewed by the world’s biggest sports that we have been asked to do a presentation,” said Steve.

“The PAADS conference is a terrific opportunity for everyone to share best practice around all aspects of athlete wellbeing: we will learn from each other over what is a very intense schedule.

“It’s also very fitting that we’re here in Mental Health Awareness Week: much of the work RL Cares does in partnership with the clubs and the RFL puts the health and happiness of athletes first, and I’m looking forward to showcasing what we do.”

Steve will present to the conference on Thursday, having already attended a wide range of presentations, including brain health, legends programmes, rookie programmes and other wellbeing initiatives.

More on Rugby League Cares' fantastic work and support can be found here.