What are you looking forward to the most about Super League's 18th Magic Weekend?
For supporters of the 12 competing clubs, top of the list would presumably be their own team’s fixture.
For them and for the thousands of neutrals who will attend, the overall Newcastle experience – both inside St. James’ Park, and outside in the city and the wider North-East – would also figure highly.
But when Rugby League Commercial have canvassed fans about their favourite memories of previous Magic Weekends, the annual showcase for the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League has been referenced on a brilliantly regular basis.
The good news is that the stars of the LDSL are back again in 2025 – and to cater for the growing demand to be part of the celebration, there will be an additional opportunity at the second of the Betfred Challenge Cup Semi Final double headers at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens on Sunday May 11.
Eleven Club Foundations will be involved in the Newcastle celebrations, which also include morning Festivals at Kingston Park – before the players get their big moment on the St. James’ Park turf at the midpoint of each day’s action, half-time in the second Betfred Super League fixture.
So on Saturday, at half-time of Hull KR’s fixture against Salford Red Devils, the LDRL teams of the Robins and the Red Devils will join their counterparts from Leeds Rhinos and Newcastle Thunder.
On Sunday, at half-time of the Wigan-Warrington clash, the LDRL stars of the Warriors and Wolves will be joined by Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers.
LDRL players will also be selected to join the Player of the Match presentations live on Sky Sports for the Hull KR v Salford and Wigan-Warrington games.
Sheffield Eagles will take part in the Saturday Festival, and likewise York Knights on the Sunday, and they will be joined by other the LDRL teams from the Foundations of five other Betfred Championship clubs – Barrow Raiders, Bradford Bulls, Featherstone Rovers, Halifax Panthers and Widnes Vikings – at half-time of the Betfred Challenge Cup Semi Final between Leigh Leopards and Warrington Wolves on Sunday May 11.
Leigh Leopards and St Helens will represent the Betfred Super League, with both guaranteed a rousing reception given the involvement in the day’s Semi Finals of the Leopards men’s team and the Saints women.
It’s expected a total of almost 400 participants will be involved in these and other key events through 2025.
For Community Integrated Care Director of Partnerships and Communities John Hughes, the award provided recognition for a journey that he says is far from over.
“The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League is a true team effort,” Hughes explained. “We’re incredibly grateful to the club foundations and clubs who deliver this programme with passion, and to the volunteers whose dedication makes it all possible.
“We also thank the families and support workers who go the extra mile to help players take part - especially for big occasions like this Magic Weekend experience, which take real dedication and planning.
“The players are amazing. They make the programme what it is, bringing such pride, kindness and inclusion to every match. It is an absolute joy to see the players not only play for the clubs that they love in this non-competitive and accessible game, but also grow in confidence and independence.
“This is all driven by our pioneering strategic partnership with the RFL and RL Commercial. As Rugby League’s Social Care Partner, we have a long-term vision for developing a more empowering, enabling sport and society together for disabled communities. This requires real commitment and we see our partners demonstrating this.
“It is unprecedented to see a sport make space for inclusion at its biggest events, and it shows the power of this relationship.
“With support from Sport England and many other key partners, we’re building a movement that uses sport to tackle inequality and this is just the beginning.”
Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE, the Leeds Rhinos director and Sky Sports pundit, is a huge fan.
“It’s about changing lives on and off the field,” he said. “We can make an impact in ways that are almost too profound to express. We can enable hope, independence and opportunity, and support people’s greatest dreams to come true.”
Adam Hills MBE, the RFL President, added: “Rugby League’s commitment to inclusion is one of the reasons I’m so proud to be RFL President.
“I’m stoked to hear the partnership between the Learning Disability Super League and Community Integrated Care has received national recognition ahead of the Magic Weekend. I’ve seen first-hand what the LDSL means to the players, families, spectators and to Rugby League as a whole, and I’m excited for them to bring a little more magic to St. James’ Park.”
For more information about the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League and LDRL, see the official Magic Weekend programme – available online for £5 now or a physical copy can be purchased at St. James' Park on either day.
Betfred Super League's Magic WKND returns to St. James' Park in Newcastle on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May!
With a blockbuster Betfred Super League line-up and plenty happening in and around the stadium, will you be taking full advantage of the Bank Holiday brilliance and a weekend of Rugby League’s epic extravaganza in the Toon?
Be a part of it and purchase your tickets online now!
