As the Week of Social Impact continues, we reflect on another successful year for the club’s inclusion programmes, both on and off the playing field.
The club’s Wheelchair, LDRL and PDRL teams have all continued to grow and thrive throughout 2024, now featuring over 100 participants across the three sides, while off the field, the Foundation’s adult sensory programme has also gone from strength to strength with dozens of new participants.
The Hull FC Community Foundation are proud to celebrate the diversity of our vibrant community whilst continuously promoting societal cohesion, and that is perhaps best emphesised by the club’s inclusion programmes, welcoming anybody who would like to get involved in our sessions, regardless of gender, age and ability.
The Wheelchair side enjoyed another season of development in the Betfred Wheelchair Super League – a season in which Tristan Norfolk was selected for the national side, and a trio of junior players have been named to feature within the England futures programme.
The club’s wheelchair programme now consists of four teams; first-team, reserves, development, and junior, showcasing the growth of the sport in Hull.
Elsewhere, the LDRL and PDRL teams both participated in festivals throughout the year, as well as the chance to take to the field at the MKM Stadium during our Inclusion fixture against Catalans Dragons in September – our Learning Disability side also took to the field at Elland Road at Magic Weekend in August.
Off the field, Hull FC’s match day sensory room was a huge success at the MKM Stadium , allowing adults with sensory processing issues who wouldn’t usually be able to watch the match, to do so. Those who use the rooms are able to watch the match in a safe, secure environment – click here for more info.
Meanwhile, our Adult Sensory and Carer Support session offers a range of physical and social activities for adults with sensory needs and their carers. The session at the Edinburgh Street Community Centre consists of a variety of different activities that encourage movement alongside music to encourage enjoyment for all – click here for more info.
Inclusion Lead Mike Swainger, said: “Our inclusion programmes positively impacts the lives of participants and their families both on and off the field; it fosters physical fitness, enhances self-confidence, and builds a supportive community, allowing players to develop friendships and life skills that extend beyond the sport.
“This engagement not only promotes a sense of belonging, but also empowers individuals to overcome challenges in their daily lives.
“Participation in Wheelchair Rugby League has increased across the sport, prompting us to establish more training sessions to accommodate the growing number of participants. This has ensured that everyone has the opportunity to develop & progress at a pace that suits their abilities, enhancing their overall experience in the sport.
“We now have four LDRL teams participating in festivals and training sessions, putting their rugby league skills on show at stadiums following in the footsteps of their Rugby League idols.
“These events not only enhance their confidence and enjoyment of the sport but also promote inclusivity and raise awareness within the community, highlighting the importance of accessible sports for everyone.
“We also established our PDRL team two years ago, which has successfully completed two seasons of fixtures. The sport has provided players with a competitive outlet, improved physical fitness and confidence.”
Inclusion Team Training Sessions
Wheelchair
Location: Allam Sports Centre, University of Hull
Times: Monday, 7.00pm – 8.30pm (First-Team & Reserves) | Thursday, 6.00pm – 7.00pm (Development & Junior)
Learning Disability Rugby League
Location: Sports Pitches, University of Hull
Times: Wednesday, 6.00pm-7.00pm
Physical Disability Rugby League
Location: Sports Pitches, University of Hull
Times: Wednesday, 7.00pm-8.00pm
For more information on any of our sessions, please email michael.swainger@hullfc.com
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