This week marks the 2024 National Inclusion Week, and we at the RFL are committed to embracing and promoting inclusivity and diversity – prioritising the community that lays at the heart of Rugby League.
Earlier this year, we renewed our devoted and collaborative social impact partnership with Community Integrated Care – celebrating 7 years as our official social care partner!
Since 2016, we have established many innovative programmes with the charity at a local and national level that promote the health, happiness and talents of people who access care and support, pioneering learning disability inclusion in world sport.
April this year, we launched the free inclusion programme ‘On The Same Team', which provides engaging and impactful education to support young people across Rugby League communities in understanding the influence of their words, to see the best in others and to help in tackling discrimination.
Emphasising the importance of unity and respect for all, the programme features role models such as England Rugby League Captain Jodie Cunningham and Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League star Oliver Thomason and is complete with engaging resources available here that show how we can all thrive when we’re ‘on the same team’.
Inclusion is in Rugby League’s DNA. During the National Week of Inclusion, we would like to invite all Foundations, Community Clubs and Schools to sign up to the programme, make a real difference and join the 20,000 young learners that have benefitted already.
Additionally, sign ups can share their participation in the ‘On The Same Team’ programme for a chance to win spectacular Rugby League prizes for their groups involved. We can’t wait to see how you utilise the resources provided and thank you for your commitment and contribution to making a positive impact to the community!
Ashleigh Seddon, Social Impact Manager, commented:
“At the RFL we thrive on inclusivity and diversity, it plays a major role in our social impact mission. We’re proud to highlight our most recent work with our partners at Community Integrated Care, continuing our seven-years in collaboration.
"Inclusion is about making sure everyone feels welcome and valued, it is our mission at the RFL to provide inclusive opportunities to ensure all participants of the sport experience this.”
Lewis Webster, Sports Inclusion Communications Manager at Community Integrated Care, said:
"We can’t think of no better way of celebrating National Inclusion Week than by getting involved in the RFL and our charity’s brilliant and free inclusion programme, On The Same Team!
"Whether you’re a Primary School Teacher looking for excellent, adaptable classroom resources that will engage your classes and give knowledge they’ll carry for life, or you’re the Coach of a rugby league junior club that is looking to build your team’s friendships and support of one another - On The Same Team is your answer to supporting young people to have kind, inclusive attitudes.
"Join in, spread the word and make a positive impact in your community. Thank you for making a difference.”
