To celebrate National Learning Disability Week Rugby League Commercial and The RFL are pleased to announce that the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League (LDSL) will again have a key role in the Magic Weekend on August 17th and 18th at Elland Road.
After starring at Anfield and St James’s Park in recent years, the LDSL players are now looking forward to making their debut at Elland Road in Leeds, which will stage Betfred Super League’s Magic Weekend for the first time on August 17-18.
This pioneering project gives opportunities to those with Learning Disabilities to play at major Betfred Super League events, following in the footsteps of their Super League idols.
With more than 400 registered players across 19 clubs, the massive growth in participation highlights the clear need for sporting opportunities in the Learning Disability community.
Exhibition games will be played on both days of Magic Weekend, taking place at half time of Wigan Warriors vs St Helens on Saturday 17th, and half time of Catalans Dragons vs Hull KR on Sunday 18th August.
But the opportunities don’t stop there.
RL Commercial and the RFL’s partnership with Community Integrated Care is equally committed to changing lives off the field as well. People supported by the social care charity will again be filling a number of aspirational volunteering roles at Magic Weekend - matchday photography, media and journalism duties, catering for Sky Sports broadcast team, hosting hospitality suites, DJing in the Fan Zone, and Player of the Match presentation live on Sky Sports.
John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities, says: “Magic Weekend represents everything that is incredible about Community Integrated Care’s partnership with Rugby League – people living their dreams, communities coming together, and proudly showcasing the potential of a world where every person is valued, included, and enabled. We thank every club, Foundation, volunteer, and family member who makes this possible, and look forward to cheering on and supporting every player. Our thanks go to RL Commercial who once again have gone above and beyond, demonstrating why Rugby League leads the way in achieving a real impact on society.”
Katarina Graham, RL Commercial’s Senior Marketing Manager, said: “Rugby League Commercial and the RFL are extremely proud to host the Learning Disability Super League at Magic Weekend. To see the numbers of teams participating grow on an annual basis is a testament to the programme, and to our fans who wholeheartedly support the players to make it a memorable day for everyone involved. Thanks must also go to our broadcast partners Sky Sports for their support in providing aspirational volunteering opportunities, such as Player of the Match delivery.”
The 19 clubs involved in the 2024 Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League season are:
Barrow Raiders, Bradford Bulls, Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Rovers, Halifax Panthers, Hull FC, Hull KR, Leeds Rhinos, Leigh Leopards, Newcastle Thunder, Rochdale Hornets, Salford Red Devils, Sheffield Eagles, St Helens, Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves, Widnes Vikings, Wigan Warriors, York Knights.
For anyone interested in joining their local LDSL side, please head to https://www.rugby-league.com/get-involved/play/ldrl
Be a part of the Magic and book your place now. Tickets start from just £30 per day for adults, and £15 for juniors: Magic Weekend Tickets. CLICK HERE to buy now!