The partnership between Community Integrated Care, the Rugby Football League, RL Commercial, and Sport England has become a multi-award winning programme, recently adding the ‘Best Sports Community Scheme’ at The Sports Business Awards to it’s long list of accolades.
As the first initiative of its kind in world sport, the LDSL allows individuals with learning disabilities and autism to play a specially adapted version of Rugby League for the clubs they love, offering participants the unparalleled thrill of participating on some of the sport’s biggest stages.
But this partnership transcends far beyond the playing field, offering regular media and match-day volunteering roles to those supported by Community Integrated Care.
Wednesday 5 February saw the launch of Betfred Super League at the Co-op Live in Manchester, with players, coaches, partners, and media in attendance. Also in attendance were Katie, James, Phil, and Tauseef from Community Integrated Care, developing their media skills with roles in photography, journalism, and player management.
Phil and Tauseef wasted no time in introducing themselves to the stars of Super League, and of course asking them the tough questions as our journalists on the ground.
Phil Ludlaim started by sitting down with Salford Red Devils' Ryan Brierley asking him what’s the most exciting thing about Super League:
Brierley told Phil: “I think the best thing and most exciting thing about out competition is the range of abilities and range of attributes our athletes have. I think how fast people are, like Bevan French and Jai Field, or how tough people are like Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. I just think the range of skill level is pretty exciting and pretty special.”
Warrington Wolves' Danny Walker was next in the hotseat with the same question, reiterating Ryan’s point that: “the most exciting thing about Super League is some of the players that we have. We have some really good athletes. They’re freaks and geniuses!”
Finishing off his media duties Phil caught up with Huddersfield Giants' head coach Luke Robinson asking why people should tune in to watch Super League this week.
Luke explained: “because it’s the most dynamic and exciting sport. I think you’ve heard it numerous times today, its one of the most ferocious field sports in the world. If people want to see big hits, big collisions, excitement and some of the best athletes in the world then its definitely the sport for you.
Next up on the mic with Tauseef Iqbal, seeking insight from Giants’ Zac Woolford on how he would describe Rugby League to a new fan:
“I think for the Super League the reason it is so exciting and amazing is that every game is different, its unpredictable, you never know what’s around the corner. I think that’s why people like it, that’s why I like playing the game and that’s why it’s so exciting to follow.”
St Helens’ Matty Lees echoed Zac’s sentiment, telling Tauseef: “I think it’s the most exciting sport in the world. I’m biased because I play it and I’ve played it all my life and its something I love. The hard hits and big runs are what’s exciting. If you watch it, you’ll be converted and enjoy it.”
Concluding his interviews Tauseef’s attention turned to Las Vegas, finding out from Liam Farrell and Walker just how excited they were to get out to the States:
The Wigan Skipper explained: “It’s something we’re really excited about, going to Las Vegas. For Super League to be in a country like America and bringing two teams like Wigan and Warrington there, it’s going to be a great occasion.
"It’s something not only the two clubs are really excited about, the whole of Super League. We’re looking forward to getting our sport over there and showing it in the best light possible. The more we can do that the better for the sport.”
Walker agreed saying: “Vegas is going to be special. I think two of the teams going over is going to be special for the players and fans. It’s going to be a really exciting week, and we’ll have a nice little party after it."
