Inclusive rugby in Rochdale scores support from Anwyl

Anwyl’s Debbie Griffiths visits Rochdale Mayfield ARLFC where funding “Love from Anwyl” is supporting inclusive rugby sessions

Children and young people in Rochdale with disabilities are being encouraged to tackle playing rugby with sponsorship from Anwyl Homes.

Rochdale Mayfield ARLFC was one of the recipients of funding from a £5,000 ‘Love From Anwyl’ pot linked to the Whittle Brook Park development in Heywood.

The club has used its £500 share towards the cost of coaching and equipment for its inclusive rugby sessions.

Carl Abraham, from the club, explained: “Rochdale Mayfield ARLFC has been a major contributor in providing a community-based sport activity for all age groups in the borough for over 35 years. We aim to provide a platform for everyone to have access to a form of rugby league and the opportunity to get involved, build lifelong friendships via a community club environment.

“Last year, in partnership with Access Sports and the Rugby Football League, we established Tryz RL at the club. Based on touch and tag rugby, it provides a fun engaging environment to introduce disabled young people to the sport.

"Sessions are focused on fun and exploring, gaining interaction through trust and allowing individuals an opportunity to get involved in whatever capacity they want. We’ve used the funding received Love from Anwyl to support qualified coaching fees and the purchase of specific equipment to support and improve the delivery of coaching.”

Along with monthly Tryz sessions at Mayfield Sports Centre, the club also runs Tryz on Tour with PossAbilities at The Cherwell Wellbeing Hub.

Anwyl area sales manager Amy Houlihan said: “Sports teams like Rochdale Mayfield ARLFC are at the heart of the community. It’s great to see them offering inclusive sessions so that people of all ages and abilities can stay fit and active.

"Alongside the physical benefits, sport also helps develop other skills as it encourages teamwork and helps people make new friends. We were happy to be able to support the club with a donation towards the cost of running the Tryz sessions.”

Other successful applicants to receive financial support Love From Anwyl included, H'All Things Drama, First Heywood Scout Group, St John's Church, Hopwood CP School PTFA and Home-Start Rochdale and Bury.

Love From Anwyl is a voluntary scheme attached to the 120 new homes being built by Anwyl across almost 15 acres of land on Manchester Road East in Heywood.

It’s in addition to almost £5.5 million worth of community contributions Anwyl has already agreed to. This includes over £2.7 million towards the cost of the new link road connecting the new community directly with junction 19 of the M62. Funding has also been allocated to education, transport, highways, green spaces and sports pitches.