Last Friday, Leeds Rhinos held their annual Inclusivity Round at AMT Headingley Stadium, marking their final home game of the season. The event brought together all aspects of the Rhinos community, with a particular focus on promoting accessibility and inclusivity for people of all abilities.
As part of the evening, the Rhinos celebrated the success of their Wheelchair Rugby team, who were awarded the League Leaders Shield. The senior Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) team played a thrilling curtain-raiser against Hull FC, while the junior PDRL and Learning Disability teams had their moment to shine at halftime.
But the event wasn’t just about the on-field action. Leeds Rhinos also took the opportunity to launch their new accessible visitors guide, designed to provide vital information on facilities and support for fans with disabilities attending AMT Headingley Stadium.
The Wilf Ward Family Trust was honoured to be part of this special evening. As a registered charity dedicated to providing support, choice, and opportunity for adults with profound learning and physical disabilities across Yorkshire, we have been collaborating with Leeds Rhinos for over a year. Our goal has been to assist the club in enhancing their understanding and approach to accessibility for fans with physical and learning disabilities.
A group of 30 individuals from The Wilf Ward Family Trust, including companions, attended the game to assess the match day experience from the perspective of those with varying needs. It was an incredible opportunity for us to witness the efforts Leeds Rhinos have made to ensure inclusivity at their events.
One of our guests, Pam from Scarborough, had an especially memorable night. Her Support Worker shared this heart-warming reflection with us: “I saw a completely new side to her at the game. She had a smile from start to finish in the stadium. Pam even had the confidence, feeling so content there, to ask the players for signatures at the end. Pam isn’t usually self-determined, outgoing or doesn’t usually self-advocate like she did on Friday night. It was amazing to see!”
This highlights the transformative impact that an accessible and welcoming environment can have on individuals, allowing them to fully engage in activities they love. Another guest commented on the exceptional support they received upon arrival at the stadium: “The way the security guard at Gate B made sure he supported people with disabilities was brilliant. He went above and beyond to help fans through the gates and made them feel comfortable, explaining things clearly and adding a sense of ease with his good humour.”
We are proud to have been involved in this event and look forward to continuing our partnership with Leeds Rhinos to further improve accessibility for everyone. You can check out Leeds Rhinos’ new Accessibility Guide here: LEEDS RHINOS ACCESSIBLE VISITORS GUIDE.pdf (therhinos.co.uk)
This collaboration is a fantastic example of how, by working together, we can create spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. The Wilf Ward Family Trust remains committed to supporting inclusive experiences for all, and this evening at Headingley was a wonderful step in that direction.