Community Foundation inspiring Bolton

This term has seen Wigan Warriors Community Foundation engage with over 15 schools in Bolton, delivering curriculum sessions to both primary and secondary schools in the area.

Following Wigan Warriors Community Foundation’s commitment to widening the reach of Rugby League with our designated Rugby League officer in Bolton, over 15 primary and secondary schools have benefitted from curriculum sessions, as well as after school Clubs, Emerging 9s festivals and the popular addition of Wheelchair Rugby sessions which are in huge demand with the local schools following the success of the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup which saw England crowned Champions.

Mark Welch, Leader of PE at Little Lever School in Bolton said: “Our school are committed to improve the provision of physical education to all. Throughout the year we have been encouraging our students to take part in adaptive games to develop their resilience and empathy.

“After seeing the success of the Wheelchair Rugby at the World Cup we knew we had to allow our students and staff to experience the sport. We have been working with Wigan Warriors Community Foundation over the year and they provided us with the opportunity to try it. Our students and staff loved it and I would highly recommend anyone to try it. Thanks to everyone at Wigan Warriors Community Foundation for the experience.”

Jenna Bannister, PE teacher at Little Lever School in Bolton also added: “Wigan Warriors Community Foundation have been a fantastic addition to our PE curriculum. The pupils have been able to experience Rugby League delivered by the Wigan Warriors coaches and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience, with pupils asking for more!  

“The Wheelchair Rugby was a huge success with both staff and pupils having a ball. The experience has been so valuable with the amazing coaches delivering interesting and innovative sessions, engaging all involved with different levels of ability.  Thank you, Wigan Warriors Community Foundation.”

Daniel Ladd of Bolton Council also spoke positively on the impact: “Hosting the Rugby League World Cup had a really positive impact on involvement in Rugby League in Bolton at a grassroots level. That’s clear from the number of schools that attended our Festivals of Rugby League held around the tournament; many were schools which perhaps had never previously considered playing Rugby League.

“Our job now is to sustain that enthusiasm and ensure that anyone who wants to get involved in Rugby League can stay involved with the game. Our partnership with Wigan Warriors Community Foundation enables us to realise that ambition, allowing young people to try Rugby League in all its forms, including the Wheelchair game which was such an amazing highlight of the Rugby League World Cup.