In League Together newsletter issue 6 | sep 09

BME coaching LGBT pride events course update Since joining the Stonewall Diversity Programme has continued to show its commitment to reaching the LGBT communities. Salford City Reds attended the Pride Games in Manchester for the second year running whilst Halifax Rugby League Club ran skills session at the first ever Calderdale Pride event followed by an information stall at the Peace Hall which proved very popular. Ronnie Rhino was a hugely popular member of the Leeds Pride march and even got on the main stage to great applause.

BME coaching course candidates The RFL ran a Level 1 Rugby League Coaching Course at Kirkstall Rugby Academy in Leeds for members of faith, black and ethnic minority communities to become qualified Rugby League Coaches. Engaging with BME and faith communities is part of the RFL’s equalities agenda to overcome barriers to participation and create a welcoming environment for everyone whatever their race, religion, faith or belief. The two day training course was attended by a total of 24 candidates including two women. The candidates all thoroughly enjoyed the training describing it as: “fantastic friendly coaching” “I enjoyed it a lot” As part of the initiative each participant was allocated a mentor to support their training and future involvement with Rugby League, a few candidates have now decided to enrol on their Level 2 Coaching Course!

In League Together Award Ronnie Rhino at Leeds pride The In League Together Award was given to Gill Johnson in recognition for her invaluable contributions to the development of wheelchair Tag Rugby and her longstanding Audio commentary at all commitment to the Rugby League Disabled Supporters. RFL matches Gill has worked tirelessly with clubs to audit and improve facilities for disabled supporters. Gill was presented with her The RFL are delighted to report that all centrally organised award alongside other volunteers whose contributions were matches now have audio commentary for blind and visually celebrated and acknowledged at the Final in impaired spectators. Audio commentary is making a real Wembley. Congratulations Gill and keep up the good work!!! difference to fans with one satisfied customer saying “I was delighted when I was told that I could get audio commentary for myself and my husband who is also visually impaired. Having the commentary was brilliant!” We now need to raise awareness of the service to any help spreading the word would be appreciated. Some of the club that have not previously offered audio commentary are now buying their own equipment, the latest being Hull KR - Blind and visually impaired Hull KR fans are now eagerly anticipating the new season with commentary provided by Simon Foster. Hull FC and running a trial of the equipment on the last match of the season so more clubs may soon be offering audio Gill Johnson receiving her award from Nigel Wood Chief commentary. Watch this space! Executive Officer of RFL p1 newsletter issue 6 | sep 09

Clubs working with Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities

The RFL is working to support a number of clubs in key areas to establish effective partnerships with their local BME and faith communities in order provide opportunities for BME communities to participate in all aspects of rugby league and for rugby league to become a part of local BME communities. The case studies below show some of the fantastic work that is being done by clubs to engage with local communities.

Bradford

We have established an important partnership between RFL, Bradford Bulls, Bradford Service area the Khidmat Centre, Bradford, Bradford Council of Mosques, local schools partnerships, as well as local business people and Councillors. Over the last few months some significant steps forward have been made;

• Bradford Bulls attended a street party organised by the local community

• Bradford Bulls and service area coaches attended the Bradford Mela

• Rugby skills sessions during the school holidays at the Attending the v Halifax game Khidmat Centre Batley • Members of the steering group including some young people attended a Bradford Bulls match and met some of the Batley Bulldogs have established a partnership with the Al Hiqmah centre. They have been working closely with members players. Some of the steering group members have lived in of the community centre to raise the profile of the game as Bradford all their lives and this was the first time they had well as break down pre existing barriers that existed between been to the stadium! the club and local community. To date there has been some important progress; • Regular coaching for young people at the Khidmat centre • A steering group has been formed including the Batley beginning in October Bulldogs staff, Al Hiqmah staff, RFL, representatives from local All the members of the Bradford steering group are looking business and other Asian sports groups in Batley. forward to a long and successful partnership and to achieving • A group of parents and children had a great time supporting our main aim - increased interest and participation in Rugby Batley at the recently televised match between Batley and Halifax League among the Asian communities in Bradford! • Plans to submit a joint funding bid with cricket to develop the facilities • Regular articles in the local paper keeping the community informed of match days as well as general articles on Rugby League. • Plans to promote the facilities at the club to the local community

Wanted! Help to engage with Polish communities

RFL is currently working with Pietr from GMB to look at ways of encouraging Polish communities to get involved in Rugby League. If your club has already developed links with your local Polish community or have Polish people playing and Members of Bradford Community and Peter Hood at involved with the club we would like to hear from you. Bradford Bulls game p2 newsletter issue 6 | sep 09

Signed Level 1 coaching course Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) History of Rugby league Project The RFL are holding a UKCC Endorsed Rugby League Coaching course in Warrington on the 28th and 29th November which will have British Sign Language (BSL) qualified signers present. If you know or work with anyone who is deaf or has a hearing impairment and would like to train to be a rugby coach please pass on this information and encourage them to apply onto the course. For more information/cost, please call and speak to a member of the Coaching Team on 0113 237 5010 or e-mail: [email protected]

Rugby Cheerleading

Competition / Festival Children at Playing for Success working on BME history project

RFL are slowly building up some resources, interviews, photos and footage of BME players, coaches, and club staff both past and present. and Halifax RLFC Playing for Success has worked with a group of young people to interview and film a number of BME players and staff asking about their family heritage, their Rugby League biography and why they got involved in Rugby League. Everyone thought the project was very enjoyable and they learnt a great deal from the experience. The information they have provided will become an important part of the history of Rugby League and will be available to view on a new website soon. Keep watching for updates!

This project is ongoing and the RFL wants to encourage clubs at all levels to contribute to the project. If you would like an information pack or would like to contribute any resources, Cheerleading Meets League photos, footage or interviews of BME participation in your club please do not hesitate to contact Sarah Williams The UK Cheerleading Association (UKCA) are introducing the first ever (RFL) Cheerleading Festival. The festival will take place on the 18th October at the Fenton Manor Sports Arena, Stoke.

UKCA would like to invite all Cheerleaders currently supporting an RFL team to take part in this new and exciting event. All ages and abilities are welcome, giving teams a chance to Alternative formats shine on the big stage. The RFL has a commitment to providing information in alternate formats. To date we have copies of the RFL Laws of the Game - The Festival will follow the Annual National Street Cheer the official rule book - on audio tape. If you would like an further Competition, bringing together Cheerleaders from all over the RFL documents or information in an audio format please contact United Kingdom. There will also be an opportunity for all RFL Sarah Williams and we will endeavour to meet your needs. participants to take part in a master class with Street Cheer Ambassador Kymberlee Jay. Don’t miss out! For more information on any of the articles in this newsletter please contact Sarah Williams at: If you’re interested in joining in the party atmosphere created RFL, Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds, LS17 8NB at UKCA events, or would like to watch and support the day, tel 0113 2375037 or email [email protected] simply contact [email protected] for more information.

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