Member Article

Sale Sharks to support mixed ability team

Sale Sharks is joining forces with Premiership Rugby and England Rugby to support a mixed ability team at Aldwinians RUFC, in Audenshaw, Manchester.

The Winnies Warriors team features both non-disabled players and disabled players with physical and learning needs and promotes total inclusion across the game.

The programme will be delivered by the award-winning Sale Sharks Community Trust in four venues; a disabled adult group at Medlock Leisure Centre, Bridge College, Titan Clubs that runs out of Thomas Ashton School and Champions Sports Club at Belle Vue Leisure Centre.

And the Trust’s inclusive rugby coaches are on the lookout for new players – both disabled and non-disabled and over 16 years of age – to join the team.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us and for Winnies Warriors, and something that we’re really looking forward to delivering” said Sale Sharks Community Trust Inclusion Officer Vicky Irwin.

“We’re going to be working with people with a wide range of needs and abilities and it’s a great opportunity for disabled individuals to play contact rugby in a safe way.

“But we do need more players. We’re looking for non-disabled individuals to play because that helps to promote the inclusive nature of the team and facilitate the play and ensure the games are enjoyable for everyone.”

Winnies Warriors Paul Lyons added: “Having the support of the Sharks Community Trust will give our whole team a huge boost. With the experience of their coaches, our players can only improve and it’ll be a massive help in our mission to make rugby as inclusive as possible.”

The programme, which is being supported by Active Tameside, will begin with a session at Aldwinians RUFC, Audenshaw Park, Audenshaw, on April 11.

“We run our own inclusive programme ‘In the Pack’, and, along with this new programme, that helps to remove barriers that prevent some people from playing the game they love,” said Sale Sharks Community Trust Manager Jonny Acheson.

“We’re committed to making sure rugby is available and accessible to everyone who wants to play and our work with Winnies Warriors will go a long way to achieving that in the north west.”

If you are interested in getting involved with mixed ability rugby at Aldwinians RUFC, please contact Vicky.irwin@salesharks.com or Paul Lyons at Winnies Warriors on lyonsp@sky.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sale Sharks Community Trust .