Salford to enter side in disability super league later in year

SALFORD Red Devils are among the founder clubs that will enter a side into the brand-new Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League when it launches in May.

The opening matches of the competition will take place during the Magic Weekend at Anfield, one of the major marquee events on the sport’s calendar.

The competition – which will provide opportunities for people with learning disabilities to play a non-competitive version of rugby league focusing on participation and skills development – will represent the first time globally that a professional sports league has shared its brand with a learning disability sports programme.

In partnering with social care charity Community Integrated Care, rugby league is helping to change ‘the lives of thousands of people with learning disabilities, mental health concerns, autism and dementia’, according to the charity’s CEO Mark Adams.

He added: “We believe that this collaboration will become one of the most significant inclusive sports programmes in the world.

“This initiative gives people with learning disabilities an unparalleled platform to stay active, make friends, develop skills and achieve their dreams.

“By providing people with the opportunity to represent the clubs that they love, become Super League players, and be part of the game’s biggest events, such as Magic Weekend, the sport is not only changing people’s lives but also making a powerful statement about the inclusiveness and values of rugby league.”

Super League chief executive Robert Elstone said: “Our clubs sit at the heart of proud communities and bring people together every day of the year.

“The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League will widen that reach and amplify these special qualities.

“Not only will this deliver amazing opportunities for all the players, it will also endorse everything that Super League stands for.”