Mayor of Rochdale launches Rochdale Hornets Wheelchair Rugby League

Mayor Surinder Biant launches Rochdale Hornets Wheelchair Rugby League

Rochdale Hornets Wheelchair Rugby League was formally launched at Rochdale Leisure Centre by Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Surinder Biant.

The launch event took place at Rochdale Leisure Centre and was led by the England Wheelchair Rugby League Squad who held their regular training centre at the venue then passed on their expertise to the newly fledged club.

Teams who attended the event were Rochdale Hornets Wheelchair team, Hopwood Hall College and The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

Many participants had never played a wheelchair sport prior to the event.

The club will train each Monday evening at 7.00pm in Rochdale Leisure Centre and training is open to everyone. There will also be the first meeting of the club on 3 May at 8.00pm, where the public will be able to sign up for the club and vote in the first officials to run the club.

Rochdale Hornets Sport Foundation Trustee, Niel Wood has welcomed the new club commenting: “At the heart of the Foundation is a vision to draw together the rugby league community in Rochdale as we can achieve much more by working together.”

Councillor Alan McCarthy Armed Forces, Lead member said: “When you leave the military it is often the case that you carry injuries. These injuries are often from carrying weight and stress on joints during service. They are not severe enough to be called a disabling injury but they will prevent many from running and participating in team sports.

"The Rochdale Hornets Wheelchair Rugby League team will enable these veterans to participate in a sporting activity. It will allow veterans and the wider community to be a part of something. The club is set up for disabled and abled bodied participants from across the community.”