Burton Wheelchair Rugby

Founder and Chair of Burton Wheelchair Rugby, Glyn Bennett, summarises the progress that they have made, offers support to clubs who may be considering developing their own team, and individuals who may want to give Wheelchair Rugby a try…

Since our inception with four taster sessions back in April 2023, we have attracted 13 regular players with varying disabilities. Over the past year, our team has made significant progress, allowing us to participate in friendly fixtures and setting our sights on joining the league this upcoming year.

Securing funding has been a challenge for us, but we have successfully obtained over £35K in grants for the purchase of our own wheelchairs. Furthermore, we have recently attained charity status, which opens up greater funding opportunities for us. Despite these achievements, we anticipate facing challenges regarding the geographical spread of other wheelchair rugby teams, particularly in arranging fixtures.

One might think that there would be a limited number of disabled individuals interested in playing the sport, but we were pleasantly surprised by the level of interest we received.

It’s worth noting that the discipline we play is the 5’s version of the game, rather than the more strictly regulated 4’s version seen in the Paralympics.

Engaging with wheelchair rugby can bring numerous benefits to your rugby club, both in terms of community outreach and development. Here are several reasons why your rugby club should consider engaging with wheelchair rugby:

1. Inclusivity: Wheelchair rugby provides an opportunity to promote inclusivity within your club by offering a sport that can be played by individuals with physical disabilities. By embracing wheelchair rugby, your club demonstrates a commitment to providing opportunities for all members of the community to participate in sport.
2. Diversification: Incorporating wheelchair rugby into your club’s offerings diversifies the range of sports available, attracting new members who may not have been previously involved in traditional rugby. This can help increase participation and engagement among individuals with disabilities, as well as their families and supporters.
3. Community Impact: Engaging with wheelchair rugby can have a positive impact on the local community by providing a platform for individuals with disabilities to showcase their abilities and athleticism. It fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment among participants, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive community environment.
4. Skill Development: Wheelchair rugby requires unique skills and strategies, offering opportunities for both players and coaches to develop new abilities and knowledge. Engaging with wheelchair rugby can enhance the overall skill set of your club members and coaching staff, leading to a more well-rounded and versatile sports program.
5. Competitive Opportunities: Getting involved in wheelchair rugby opens up the possibility for your club to participate in competitive leagues and tournaments at local, national, and even international levels. This provides an avenue for your club to challenge itself against other teams, fostering growth and development both on and off the court.
6. Collaboration and Partnerships: Engaging with wheelchair rugby may lead to opportunities for collaboration and partnerships with disability organisations, rehabilitation centres, and other community groups. Building these relationships can strengthen your club’s network and reputation while also creating opportunities for joint initiatives and events.
7. Overall, engaging with wheelchair rugby aligns with the values of inclusivity, diversity, and community engagement that are central to many sports clubs. By embracing wheelchair rugby, your club can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities while also enriching its own programming and culture.

Glyn has generously offered to share his experience of forming and developing a Wheelchair Rugby team with any NLD club who is interested.

Furthermore, he can give advice and even a taster session to individuals who are interested in trying Wheelchair Rugby.

Please contact Glyn on the details above for more information.