PEOPLE with learning disabilities from York will be showing off their rugby skills and taking part in a ground-breaking social inclusion programme this month.

Dacia’s Magic Weekend, at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool on May 25 and 26, will see teams from the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League represent their clubs and play on the pitch alongside their Super League heroes, making a powerful statement about the inclusiveness of rugby league.

Clubs involved in the Learning Disability Super League have been undertaking specialist training in the past few weeks, with the York City Knights team attending an autism experience simulator, an innovative training session developed to give people an experience of the difficulties faced by people who live with autism.

Weekly training sessions for the Learning Disability Super League players have been taking place at Bootham Crescent, in preparation for the big games at the end of this month.

The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League programme aims to promote the development of skills and confidence for people with learning disabilities and create positive experiences for those involved. The May Magic Weekend will provide one of the biggest ever crowds for a learning disability sport event.

Local care provider Community Integrated Care supports more than 3,500 people across the England and Scotland who have learning disabilities, mental health concerns, autism and dementia. The charity has a strong presence in the North West and will be bringing in excess of 500 of the people they support and their colleagues to the special event taking place over the May bank holiday weekend.

Mark Adams, CEO of Community Integrated Care, said: “This pioneering programme will change the lives of so many people, delivering amazing opportunities for all of the players and memories that will last a life time. The initiative will allow the players to stay active, make friends and represent the clubs that they love.”

He added: “As the Official Social Care partner of the sport, we are looking forward to watching social care being brought onto the big stage, all whilst making a powerful statement about the inclusiveness of rugby league – a huge thank you to the Super League, the RFL and all participating clubs for their passion and support of this programme.”