Community Integrated Care and RFL team up to celebrate National Learning Disability Week 2025

Community Integrated Care and the Rugby Football League have teamed up to celebrate National Learning Disability Week 2025, showcasing a pioneering partnership that is transforming lives through the power of sport.

Community Integrated Care is one of the UK’s largest and most successful social care charities, supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health concerns, and complex needs to live the Best Life Possible. As the Official Social Care Partner of rugby league, the charity has a groundbreaking social impact collaboration with the RFL and RL Commercial that has delivered a diverse range of life-changing programmes and support for people who draw on social care.

Together, they have co-created innovative programmes, including the world-first Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League, an inclusive sports initiative that empowers people with learning disabilities to represent their clubs that they love in adapted games of non-competitive rugby league.

The centrepiece of Learning Disability Week was a unique online experience hosted on www.What-To-Do.co.uk, featuring England and Leeds Rhinos star Harry Newman. Delivered in partnership with Leeds Rhinos Foundation, the session combined accessible exercise with Harry’s personal insights on healthy living. This powerful collaboration reflects the charity’s commitment to tackling health inequalities through sport and ensuring that people with learning disabilities are supported to lead healthier, more active lives.

In the build-up to the week, the charity and the RFL launched an Easy Read Guide to the Betfred Challenge Cup Final, opening the doors of Wembley Stadium to many new and existing fans with learning disabilities, making one of rugby league’s greatest spectacles more accessible than ever before.

Celebrations continued with several players and people supported by Community Integrated Care receiving special surprise gifts, recognising their achievements in delivering a live post-match interview with Jenna Brooks on Sky Sports at Magic Weekend. Receiving framed images of their bold moment on the hallowed St James’ Park pitch, the gifts are a poignant memento that will remind them of their successes and inspire future dreams. 

More than 300 participants have training with their local clubs in the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League during the week, highlighting the scale, energy, and heart of this movement. 

Mitch Woodham, a Learning Disability Super League player who took part in the Sky Sports broadcast, said:

“Playing in the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League has changed my life. It means so much to me to be part of something that celebrates inclusion and opportunity for people who have learning disabilities. This week has been amazing. I’ll never forget being live on Sky Sports, sharing the confidence that I have built on live TV. I’m so proud to be part of the Leeds Rhinos team and grateful for everything that Community Integrated Care and the RFL do in this partnership.”

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

“National Learning Disability Week is a vital moment to reflect upon the talents, dreams, and rights of people who access social care. Through our unique partnership with the RFL and RL Commercial, we are proud to tackle health, social, and economic inequalities in innovative ways. From playing on grand stages to co-creating accessible guides, the people we support are changing perceptions and pushing boundaries. We thank the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Harry Newman for helping us deliver a truly special experience, and commend every player, family member, coach, and colleague who makes this movement so powerful.”

Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Chair of the RFL’s Inclusion Board and former Leeds Rhinos star, added:

“I’m incredibly proud of what this partnership represents. Community Integrated Care and the Rugby Football League are working together in a groundbreaking way, grounded in genuine commitment to inclusion and empowerment.  

"As an Ambassador of the charity and a founding Ambassador of the Learning Disability Super League, I have seen firsthand the unprecedented growth and progress that has been achieved. This week reminds us of how much more we can achieve. 

"Our shared mission continues to grow, innovate, and create even greater impact together. I offer my heartfelt thanks and best wishes to everyone involved.”