Rugby League Supports Community Integrated Care This Christmas

Rugby League has shown its support for the sport’s Official Social Care Partner, Community Integrated Care, in the countdown to Christmas 2024, with clubs and players from across the sport making dreams come true for the people it supports - and expressing their respect for its dedicated care teams who are providing vital support.

Players, staff and mascots from St Helens, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Barrow Raiders, Bradford Bulls and Widnes Vikings all arranged special visits and experiences for people who are supported by the charity.

From Saints stars Jon Bennison and Jake Burns dropping off mince pies and presents for some of their biggest fans in St Helens to Leeds Rhinos mascot Ronnie The Rhino joining in a party in a specialist care service that supports people who have complex learning disabilities, the clubs have kickstarted an unforgettable Christmas.

The celebrations have continued as RL Commercial and the Rugby Football League arranged a special trophy tour around the North West. The experience was described as “a dream come true”, “incredible, and “amazing” by participants.

Community Integrated Care is one of the UK’s largest social care charities, delivering more than 8 million hours of care and support every year to people who have learning disabilitie or are autistic, and people in mental health recovery. It is driven by a mission of enabling every person to live their Best Life Possible.

The charity is a long-term partner of the Rugby League, developing important projects with the sport, including the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League and On The Same Team, an anti-bullying and discrimination education programme. The charity recently collected the Best Community Scheme Award with the RFL and RL Commercial at the 2024 Sports Business Awards, highlighting the impact and innovation of this partnership.

England Rugby League stars Paige Travis and Jodie Cunningham recorded a special message for Community Integrated Care to thank the charity’s dedicated teams working over the seasonal period, saying:

“On behalf of the England Rugby League Team and everyone in the sport, we’d like to wish a happy Christmas to all of our friends at Community Integrated Care. We hope that this is a special time for everyone who is supported by the charity.

“We want to say a big thank you to everyone who is working for the charity this Christmas, dedicating themselves to helping others when so many of us are enjoying time with our friends and family. Your commitment to changing lives is inspiring. We’re excited to support your brilliant work in 2025.”

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, says:

“Rugby League means so much to the people we support, their families and our colleagues, so these experiences have really made Christmas wishes come true. We are grateful to every club, foundation and player who supports our work, and our incredible partners at the Rugby Football League and RL Commercial for making time to give back to our communities.

“We look forward to an even bigger 2025 as we build on our successes of supporting more inclusive, enabling and compassionate communities through Rugby League.”