The power of Rugby League: A safe space for all

THE POWER OF RUGBY LEAGUE:

A safe space for all

OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, WHEELCHAIR RUGBY LEAGUE HAS BEEN PROMOTING THE MESSAGE THAT SPORT SHOULD BE INCLUSIVE TO EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF PHYSICAL ABILITY. WHILE WHEELCHAIR RUGBY HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE 1976, WHEELCHAIR RUGBY LEAGUE HAS BECOME BETTER AND BETTER KNOWN, AND WITH TEAMS OF MIXED DISABILITIES AND GENDERS, IT PRIDES ITSELF ON BEING OPEN TO ALL.

Rugby league team Halifax Panthers encourage children and young adults to take up the sport through its community interest company (CIC), the Community Panthers. In fact, the Halifax Panthers wheelchair rugby league team have broken new ground, becoming one of the most successful teams in the sport. As well as winning league and European championships, they also measure their success through their close links with the community of Calderdale, aiming to inspire the next generation of disabled athletes.

“Before I started playing wheelchair rugby league, I felt like I couldn’t play any sport because I didn’t think there was any that would adapt to my needs. But when I joined Halifax wheelchair rugby league club, I discovered that there are plenty of opportunities to play sports for a person with a disability,” says Rob Hawkins, Halifax Panthers and England wheelchair rugby league player.

“With more and more coverage of disability sports like wheelchair rugby league and wheelchair basketball and the Paralympics getting shown on television, it’s showing other people with disabilities that no matter what you have gone through or what has happened there is inclusivity in sports.”

The sport’s commitment to inclusivity is one of the reasons for its popularity, and inclusivity has been one of the mantras of the Community Panthers CIC since it was established in 2005. This idea is put into action by community engagement officer Jack Duffy who is passionate about getting children involved in sport, regardless of ability or background. Being a part of the Halifax Panthers team has given him the ability to use the sport as a vehicle for connecting people, reaching out using local and national networks.

These networks include other charities such as Invictus Wellbeing and Calder Community Squash, who are similarly committed to making positive changes within Calderdale through health and wellbeing. One new initiative between the Community Panthers and Invictus Wellbeing is the Tag Talks project. Aimed at men aged 17-24, the pilot project will bring together tag rugby, fitness, and men’s wellbeing, offering a safe space where issues around mental wellbeing can be talked about.

And for children and young people with disabilities who are finding their place in the world, sports such as wheelchair rugby league offer much needed role models. “The best part about playing a disability sport, aside from getting active, is meeting new people and learning about their disabilities and accidents,” says Rob Hawkins from the Halifax Panthers. “My advice to children struggling with their disability is to don’t ever give up on your life because of certain accidents or illnesses. If you are nervous about getting into sport, take it one step at a time by first watching a few disability sports and see what stands out and interests you.”