February 12, 2018

Community Trust Launch Disability RL

The Wakefield Trinity Community Trust are proud to announce the launch of Disability Rugby League, a new arm of the Charity that will work to engage communities across Yorkshire increasing opportunities for those with disabilities.

The three strands; Physical, Non-Physical & Wheelchair have not been explored previously although the club, not the charity, did host a Wheelchair RL team under their previous guise, Wakefield Wildcats.

Recently, we saw the first Physical Disability Rugby League game to be played in the UK when Warrington Wolves faced Leeds Rhinos at Victoria Park Stadium, Warrington.

Comedians Adam Hills and Alex Brooker played for opposite teams and have raised the profile of the sport on the TV show, The Last Leg.

In just three weeks The Mobile Rocket Stadium will play host to the first Physical Disability Rugby League open session where those with disabilities that meet the classification may attend and, in doing so, will be recruited into the Wakefield Trinity PDRL squad for 2018.

Craig Shepherd, Project Lead, said, “Having a Physical Disability team means Rugby League is now accessible to people that thought either they had lost the opportunity to play again or thought they would never have the opportunity.”

“We’ve been working toward creating a sustainable environment and will be introducing development sessions for those aged 6-16 years with a view to the creation of a pathway into the competitive PDRL team.”

“We’ve recruited several ex-Trinity players to provide a guiding hand around the pitch as able-bodied participants and these will be announced over the coming weeks.”

“Jimmy Gittins is working closely with us as an Ambassador of the programme which we are delighted with as is Keith Mason who began his career with Wakefield Trinity. His partner, Riona Kelly-Hawes, is battling back from a stroke that paralysed her from the waist down.”

The next open session for Wakefield Trinity Community Trust’s PDRL team will take place on 3rd March between 9am and 12 noon at The Mobile Rocket Stadium, Wakefield, WF1 5EY.

The criteria for participation is;

Aged 16+
Cerebral palsy (cat. C6, C7, C8)
Upper and/or lower limp amputee or limb deficiency
Acquired brain injury (stroke or traumatic injury)
Muscular atrophy diseases
Other disabilities considered upon review

Please email craig.shepherd@wakefieldtrinity.com for more information.