RFL to highlight social impact at the opening match of England v Samoa ABK Beer Test Series

Since its founding in 1895, Rugby League has been deeply rooted in its community, consistently championing social impact alongside the sport itself. The Rugby Football League (RFL) has made it a priority to positively influence the communities we serve, reflecting a commitment that goes beyond the thrill of competition.

In 2022, the RFL took a significant step forward by establishing a dedicated social impact team. This team has been instrumental in furthering our mission to make meaningful, lasting changes in the lives of those involved in our sport.

SkyTry is a fantastic, historic example of a Rugby League social impact project that influenced mass participation in youth physical activity. We now have six ongoing social impact programmes led centrally by the RFL to continue to create an impact on a national level and working towards our shared aims with our Foundation network and funding partners.

A highlight is the Inspiring Futures programme which aims to support youths who are at risk of anti-social behaviour and crime. The programme is funded by our partners The Youth Endowment Fund (YEF), who are an independent charity with a mission to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence.

11 professional Rugby League Foundations across 114 schools will deliver 12 weeks of rugby as-a-hook mentoring for students in years 8 & 9 on Personal Wellbeing, Collaboration, and Leadership to reduce behavioural difficulties for at-risk youths.  

Now, as we prepare for the 2024 England v Samoa ABK Beer Test Series, we are thrilled to announce that our latest social impact initiative will be unveiled at The Brick Community Stadium in Wigan. This project embodies our unwavering dedication to community upliftment and our belief in the power of Rugby League to change lives.

Rugby League driven for its Communities by its Communities. 
 
Ashleigh Seddon, Social Impact Manager at the RFL shared her enthusiasm, and said: “Our commitment to social impact is at the heart of everything we do. This initiative is a testament to our belief that Rugby League is more than just a game - it's a force for good in our communities.” 
 
Marc Lovering, Director of Development at the RFL, added: “We are proud to launch this initiative at the start of the England 2024 Test Series. It’s a powerful reminder that while we celebrate the excitement on the field, our true victory lies in the positive change we bring to our communities.”