In League Together newsletter issue 16 | AUG 2012

St Helens Girls Train Alongside Individuals England Women Selected To Carry The Olympic & Paralympic Torch St Helens girls took part in a truly memorable Former Rugby League player, Matt King who was recently occasion when they trained awarded the O.B.E in the Queen’s birthday list for his charity alongside the England work and inspirational character following a serious accident Women’s Rugby League whilst playing Rugby League was also chosen to carry the team. Taking part together Olympic Torch through Dunstable in Bedfordshire on Monday in the same training games as the international players, 9th July. He was supported by over 50 friends and family, the girls took great encouragement and praise from the local community, including some of his former team mates at Broncos. “It was a thrill and great honour for me women throughout. For parents and girls alike, it was a great to carry the Olympic Torch and I feel very proud to be part of opportunity to witness the high level of skill and athleticism the Olympic celebrations” said Matt. within the women’s game. Fingers crossed and with some hard work this day will have inspired the St Helens girls to aim Lee Curry, Thunder Community Trust’s Disability Community high and to swap their red vee jersey for the England jersey Coach has been selected to represent the North East of England in the Flame Collection ceremony for the 2012 and represent their country. London Paralympic Games. Following a public nomination For more details contact [email protected] Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson picked Lee Curry. Lee who Facebook: St-Helens women and girls rugby league teams. is deaf has helped develop Rugby League with disability groups and his enthusiasm for his work has inspired young children in the North East to become involved in sport. Lee said “I’m absolutely delighted to be given this once in a lifetime opportunity to represent the North East…2012 is going to be a year to remember for myself and my family” Matt Pritchard a North Wales development Officer will be carrying the Olympic Torch in The London Borough of Wandsworth on July 23. Matt was nominated by the UK doorstep sport charity StreetGames to recognise his outstanding work in getting young people from deprived communities playing Street Rugby Matt was one of the originators of Street Rugby which started in four areas of Bridgend in 2009. Today it has increased to 14 areas across Wales. Matt said “It is truly an honour to be one of the 8,000 people, and to have my name next to such great individuals who have been recognised for their hard work Ben Noble / Primary Schools Update and achievements.

After becoming the first ever visually impaired person to qualify as a Rugby League coach, Ben Noble has recently started the next step of his coaching journey by helping the Eagles community development team deliver schools coaching to Yr3 & 4 students at Westways Primary. Working alongside Eagles community rugby league coaches Darren Higgins and Ben has helped deliver a wide range of skills to pupils who have been introduced to Rugby League for the first time. During this time Ben’s confidence and ability to introduce, explain and demonstrate skills has continued to grow which has resulted in enjoyment and learning for all pupils.

For more information on this exciting initiative or to find out more about playing, coaching and volunteering opportunities at Hillsborough Hawks contact Darren Higgins on 0114 2610326 or email darren.higgins@ sheffieldeagles.com Mat King with the Olympic Torch p1 issue 16 | AUG 2012 newsletter issue 16 | AUG 2012

Wildcats in Groundbreaking Artist Rugby League in Residence Project – Have Your Say The aim of the RESPECT campaign is to maintain and enhance the environment in which Rugby League is played at all levels by discouraging unsporting behaviour, foul or illegal behaviour and acts of violence, both on and off the pitch. In a game wide review of the RESPECT code of conduct the RFL invited all fans, volunteers, players, coaches, match officials and volunteers of Rugby League to have their say in how the match day experience could be improved by completing a confidential online RESPECT questionnaire. All those who took the time to complete the questionnaire were entered into a draw and we are delighted to say that the winners of the match tickets were Ian Curzon and Nicola Walton-Gray.

Jason Wilsher-Mills At the time of going to press we are delighted to say that we have received an exceptional response to the questionnaire with The Wildcats Community Trust will break new ground in Rugby over 300 people taking the time to complete the survey and League after being successful in a bid to the Arts Council for a share their thoughts and views on what could and should be club Artist in Residence from September 2012. done to improve the game. The information we have gathered will be invaluable in developing a strategy and action plan that is Wakefield-born artist, Jason Wilsher-Mills will spend a year fit for purpose. with the Wildcats using iPads to create art with young people around the district. Jason will create fifteen commissioned Free Equality & pieces, thirteen of which will feature some of the clubs all-time Diversity Training great players. Fans will have the chance to choose which of the clubs players feature in the pieces, with players from each The RFL are delighted to offer 2 free places on each of the RFL decade from the 1950′s onwards set to be represented. Within Equality and Diversity training courses to staff and volunteers of the year’s residency, Jason’s work with the local community our professional and community clubs. Training takes place on will see a 60-metre mural stretching across the length of the various dates at the Hamara community centre in Beeston, the Eric France Stand at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium telling the next course will be on Thursday 6th September from 10.00am story of the club from its founding in 1873 to the present day, - 4.00pm with a curry lunch as the centre’s community café. The training is fun and interactive and provides a safe place which will show the changes of the club over its lifespan. to explore stereotypes and assumptions, discuss language “The art work created throughout the year is going to be and explore barriers to participation as well action planning to wonderful; it will tell a story and be very accessible. I’ve been overcome barriers. Course evaluation has been very positive and a supporter ever since I was a young lad and one of the RFL staff commented: to do this is a bit of a tribute to my dad who passed away in “It is always difficult to facilitate an enjoyable course that 2010. I want to show what’s special about this club and its everyone has been “told” to attend, and having done similar E&D supporters.” course in the past with previous employers, I found the course both enjoyable and relevant to the organisation and the roles that If any local businesses or individuals wish to be part of this we all do. Thanks and well done.” ground-breaking project then please contact Wildcats Director If you would like to book onto a course please contact Kate Walls of Education Mark Winder on 01924 211611. at [email protected]

Hull KR Sign Muslim Aussie Rugby League Star

Hull KR has signed North a devout Muslim who manages rugby stars Quade Cooper and Cowboys back-row forward Cory . The 6ft 5in, 16st Paterson represented Paterson on a two-year deal from at schoolboy level in 2005 and has also been a member 2013. 24-year-old , of the Indigenous team in the annual for the last who is a Muslim converted to Islam three seasons. few years back when he became He said: “I’m really excited about my move to Hull KR. I’ve been only the second player in the NRL, following the club for a while since Sandy and a couple of my old following to fast team-mates, Con Mika and Shannon McDonnell, went there. “The during the holy month of Ramadan, timing is right for me and my young family to make the move. which forbids Muslims from eating We’re all keen to get over there and experience a different lifestyle or drinking during daylight hours, whilst playing. Despite fasting and culture and for me to play some good footy.” over Ramadan his performance on the pitch, was unaffected. Paterson’s conversion came when he transferred from Newcastle Watch video on Cory Paterson and how he dealt with fasting Knights to the Cowboys after hiring new manager Khoder Nasser, www.passionislam.com/video.php?video_id=7 p2 newsletter issue 16 | AUG 2012

Rugby League full of Pride Tackle IT! Resources available

Over the past few years the RFL has taken the lead in making sport a fair environment for all, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. In an effort to bring the sports together Rugby League again took the lead in organising a multisport entry at London World Pride which took place on the 7th of July. Unfortunately, due to last minute financial reasons London Pride organisers decided to cancel all floats so our entry Tackle IT! (5 other posters featuring role models from across the was changed to a walking a walking parade with a large banner. game are also available to download) Despite the financial problems and rain an estimated 15,000 people took part in the procession on the 40th anniversary of RFL has launched its Tackle It! programme which is the the first gay pride in London. David Cameron said “UK has been equalities element of the RESPECT code of conduct and judged to be the best country in Europe, in which to live in if focuses on tackling discrimination and abuse based on you’re gay, so it’ great that World Pride is being celebrated here gender, race, disability, age, faith and sexual orientation, as in London. well as celebrating diversity within our game. The programme comprises a suite of posters, two of which are highlighted Alongside the RFL representatives from the National Governing above, the 6 posters feature Sarah Bennison, David Solomon, Bodies of Football, Tennis, Cricket, Athletics, Netball, Golf, Ryan Owen, Anthony Sullivan, The Ramsden family and Hockey, Volleyball, Baseball and Softball came together with one Mitch Stringer. There is also an uplifting 9 minute DVD which voice to celebrate diversity in sport and to say there is no place showcases the diversity within Rugby League and emphasises for homophobia and transpohobia in sport. The sport walking the importance of tackling any unacceptable language or parade also included LGBT sporting groups; Gay Graces, Justin behaviour. The posters and DVD can be downloaded at campaign, London Royals, Remnants Hockey, Open Athletics, www.therfl.co.uk/equitydiversity/tackle-it London Raiders, Dynamo Dykes Volleyball and London tennis. We are currently piloting the education pack aimed at high school children with clubs and schools in , Salford, Halifax and as well as working with some community Research findings clubs to ensure the programme is relevant at all levels of the & recommendations game. The education pack is being designed to make it possible for each club to add to the education pack by featuring their own work around reaching diverse communities and including local role models. If you would like to know more about the education pack please contact Sarah at [email protected]

Sporting Equals BME information

Following the research into the perceptions and experience Sporting equals has produced a paper to help sports providers of Rugby League with Young Asian Muslims, we are delighted gain a better understanding of issues affecting black and to announce that the second in the series, which explores the minority ethnic (BME) communities when it comes to the experience of LGBT young people LGBT person is now available development of facilities to increase participation in sport. A to download. The research features sections exploring their summary of the report is attached, and you can access the full experiences of school based sports, Rugby League specifically report at the following link: www.sportingequals.org.uk/PICS/ and reflects on their evening at the England vs Australia Four Insight%20Paper%20July%202011%20-%20Facilities.pdf Nations final at as well as a Rugby League skills For more information on the paper please contact Shaheen taster session. The second part of the research comprises Bi, Insight and Projects Manager, on 0121 777 1375 or shbi@ recommendations and practical suggestions as to how clubs sportingequals.org.uk can engage with young LGBT people whilst coaching in schools, clubs or within the LGBT setting. For a paper copy of the For support, advice and guidance on approaches and ideas research please contact Sarah [email protected] alternatively to increase BME participation in your sport please contact Nik you can download it at http://www.therfl.co.uk/equitydiversity/ Trivedi, Head of Consultancy, on [email protected] ilt_resources then scroll down to the relevant section. p3 newsletter issue 16 | AUG 2012

Sharing Good Practice Whilst Rugby League can be proud of the fact that our clubs have been at the forefront of work to reach out to diverse communities and ensure that clubs and matches are welcoming we are not necessarily as good at shouting about this and sharing good practice. We have been asked to expand our section of the RFL website celebrating club and community initiatives and projects that aim to reach out to diverse communities. As a result we are asking you to send information about any work you are doing around the inclusion agenda. Examples can range from a large scale projects to engage with targetted sections of your local community to efforts made to accommodate the needs of individuals from both the professional to community game.

Equality strand Some possible examples Equality strand Some possible examples

General What has your club done to promote RESPECT or Religion and Have you been successful working with different faith Tackle IT! Faith communities How have you tackled unacceptable language and Have you been involved with Interfaith Rugby League behaviour? tournaments / games How have you met the needs of people of faith at Gender Women and girls RL your club – food, religious holidays, fasting, prayer Touch rugby times etc Dance projects Do you have any role models / ambassadors that you would recommend? Women working and volunteering at the club International Womens day activities Sexual How has your club tackled homophobia Orientation Do you have any role models / ambassadors that Has your club attended any local Pride or IDAHO you would recommend? event or invited LGBT groups to the club? Do you have any role models / ambassadors that you Race Black and minority ethnic players, coaches would recommend? Working with BME communities including Gypsy Travellers and Eastern European people Disability Have you adapted your club facilities to accommodate disabled people Black History Month projects Have you any disabled players, coaches, officials or Planned World Cup activities linking to volunteers at the club and if so how have you worked international teams together to meet their needs. Do you have any role models / ambassadors that How do you accommodate disabled spectators / do you would recommend? you have a disabled spectators association Do you have any role models / ambassadors that you Age Young people - young players, coaches match would recommend? officials and volunteers Champion Schools If you would like to include your club or project on the website Older people involved at the club please include the following details: Masters RL • Photo (ensure you have consent to use the photo) Do you have any role models / ambassadors that • A brief summary of the project (no more than 200 words) you would recommend? • Who to contact for more information

Rugby League in Ghana

When working with or planning to Part of UK Sport International’s programme involves a coaching engage with BME communities in your exchange with Edge Hill University, with the latter sending out area it can be really helpful when trying St. Patrick’s juniors coach Alex Winstanley to guide the Ghanaian duo to generate interest in Rugby League to through their first steps into the world of Rugby League. showcase the development of Rugby Following the six-week induction, Sylvester Wellington will League in their country of origin. It may undertake a month-long secondment with , whose interest you to know that Rugby League chairman, Hector McNeil, has been a driving force in the creation of is established in: Italy, , Serbia, the project. While in England he will undertake intensive coaching, Russia, Norway, Germany, Malta, Canada, South Africa Jamaica, playing, match officiating, media and administration practical Latvia, Ukraine Czech Republic, Denmark Norway & Netherlands. work before returning to Ghana to set up senior and junior teams The most recent international development area is Ghana where and getting a Ghanaian championship off the ground, as well as the RLEF were delighted to announce that Sylvester Wellington registering the association under local law. has taken up the post of Ghana Development Manager. Sylvester “Rugby league is a wonderful sport and we have some great ideas Wellington, a 26-year-old from Accra will be joined by University for its development here in Ghana,” said Attieku. “We just need a of Ghana Rugby League coordinator Alfred Attieku, is undergoing push to get it up and running so that we can benefit communities, generic leadership and sports leadership training through UK Sport develop skills and create employment. I am so grateful that it is International’s established programme, the Beckwith International coming to Ghana.” Leadership Development initiative. p4 newsletter issue 16 | AUG 2012

Funding Update LGBT Game - Inclusive Sport Fund & Leeds Pride (article taken from Equality Standard e- bulletin) Leeds Rhinos flying the rainbow flags

Sport England is hoping to create a meaningful and lasting Defending community sport legacy not only from the London 2012 Champions and 2012 winner Leeds , but also from the Paralympic Games, Rhinos are set to fly the flag and by growing sports participation by disabled people at celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual the grassroots level. At present, only one in six disabled and Transgender (LGBT) inclusion adults plays sport regularly and they want to change this. throughout the game at their home Sport England’s Chief Executive, Jennie Price, said: “It is fixtures against on an uncomfortable truth that disabled people enjoy fewer Friday August 10th. opportunities to get involved in sport. Sport England is The Rhinos, who are taking over committed to changing that, and making it easier for disabled from as Rugby people to fit sport into their daily lives. The Paralympic Games League LGBT champions, are one of the most successful sporting will put the sporting achievements of disabled people in the team of the 21st century and are spotlight as never before. I want to make sure that Sport continuing to break the mould and challenge the stereotypes within England’s £8m lottery investment is a catalyst to help more sport by dedicating the game to LGBT equality. They will be joined disabled people get involved.” by stars from Yorkshire’s successful television soap Emmerdale who in recent years have also tackled homophobia in some of their The Inclusive Sport Fund has been set up by Sport England most powerful story line. with £8 million of National Lottery Funding. It will invest in programmes designed to grow the number of disabled young Leeds Rhinos players will be wearing a shirt with a Stonewall logo and a specially commissioned Leeds Rhino LGBT polo shirt, the people (age 14+) and adults regularly playing sport. It is winning design was created by pupils at the Hungerford Primary looking for innovative, scalable and replicable projects that School in London will be available to purchase through Leeds make it easier and more enjoyable for disabled people to take Rhinos with a percentage of profits going to a local LGBT charity part in sport and physical activity more often. It’s extremely and to the Leeds Rugby Foundation. Stars of Emmerdale will also important, that sport is made to be as inclusive as possible, be involved on the day and there will be some fantastic prizes for so everyone can get a fair chance. the spectators along with other events and activities. Leeds Rhinos will also be represented at Leeds Pride on 5th August which this There are a number of challenges facing disabled people year has a sports theme. wanting to take part in sport. These include: If you would like to support the Leeds Rhinos LGBT initiative by • lack of specialist equipment attending the game as an individual or a group please contact them on 0113 2033222 • transport issues

• low self-confidence

• deliverers who aren’t trained to offer sport inclusively

• poor information about the opportunities out there.

Charles Reed, the Chair of English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS), said: “This fund represents an important Alternative formats commitment by Sport England and Government to growing The RFL has a commitment to providing information in alternate the number of disabled people who are active and playing formats. To date we have copies of the RFL Laws of the Game - sport. I encourage all those who share a passion for seeing the official rule book - on audio tape. If you would like an further disabled people gain the benefits of sport and physical activity RFL documents or information in an audio format please contact to come forward with quality proposals which will make a real Sarah Williams and we will endeavour to meet your needs. difference to people’s lives.” For more information on any of the articles in this newsletter The deadline for submissions to this fund is 5 pm on please contact Sarah Williams at: 31 August. For further information, including eligibility RFL, Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds, LS17 8NB criteria, please visit Inclusive Sport Fund or call the Sport tel 0113 2375037 or email [email protected] England funding helpline on 08458 508 508.

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