Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League Festivals Season begins!

The foundations of York RLFC and Leigh Leopards proudly hosted the first Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League festivals of the 2025 season last weekend, marking an exciting start to a series of inspirational community events.

A total of 17 clubs were involved across the two locations – with further Festivals planned for Castleford and Barrow next month, and Wakefield and Warrington in August, before the 2025 Grand Finals in October.

Leigh Leopards hosted Barrow Raiders, St Helens, Warrington Wolves, Widnes Vikings and Wigan Warriors at Golborne Parkside ARLFC.

This was followed by another packed festival hosted by York RLFC Foundation at York St John University Sports Park, featuring Bradford Bulls, Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Rovers, Halifax Panthers, Hull FC, Hull KR, Leeds Rhinos, Sheffield Eagles, Wakefield Trinity and York Knights.

The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League is a pioneering, non-competitive Rugby League programme specially designed to empower people who have learning disabilities or are autistic who access support in their daily lives.

Its status as one of the most groundbreaking social impact programmes in the world has been confirmed this year, after being named the Care Innovation of the Year at the Great British Care Awards and Best Community Scheme at the Sports Business Awards. Independent research by Manchester Metropolitan University shows that the programme delivers over £1.2 million in social value for its communities every year through transforming lives.

These festivals follow the spectacular launch of the 2025 season, with unforgettable showcase matches at Super League’s Magic Weekend at St James’ Park in Newcastle, and then the Betfred Challenge Cup Semi-Final at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens – watched by a total of more than 75,000 passionate fans.

Community Integrated Care is one of the UK’s biggest and most successful social care charities, delivering more than 8 million hours of care and support. Driven by its ‘Best Lives Possible’ mission, it goes beyond traditional care and support – designing unique programmes, partnerships and campaigns that support a more equal and aspirational society for people who draw on care and support.

As Rugby League's Official Social Care Partner, it plays an essential role in designing, delivering, and promoting this groundbreaking programme – providing specialist strategy, training and support. By uniting a leading sport and charity, this partnership enables Rugby League to be at the forefront of social change.

Bringing together hundreds of players from across Rugby League communities, cheered on by families, friends and supporters, the non-competitive games were an epic celebration of inclusion and the power of Rugby League.

John Hughes, Director at Community Integrated Care, said: "We’re immensely grateful to the York RLFC and Leigh Leopards foundations for their incredible effort in delivering these special festivals. Their dedication, alongside the unwavering support of clubs, coaches, families, and, above all, the incredible players, makes every event an unforgettable celebration of inclusion and community. These events make are a real source of pride for everyone associated with our charity, and demonstrate the impact of our unique partnership with the Rugby Football League and RL Commercial. We can’t wait for the season ahead.”

Marc Lovering, the RFL’s Director of Development, said: "The start of the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League festivals is always a significant and exhilarating moment in our calendar. This year, we've seen unprecedented progress and enthusiasm, highlighting the incredible power of Rugby League and our partnership with Community Integrated Care in fostering inclusion, community spirit, and dreams. We look forward to continuing to build upon this momentum throughout what promises to be a truly inspiring season."