Autism Awareness Month Story | Adam Butcher

16/04/2026

Written by Harry Welburn

April is Autism Awareness Month, and across the next two weeks, we are sharing stories from players and staff across our teams who live with autism, highlighting their experiences and how Sheffield Eagles support them.

Today, we hear from Adam Butcher, who is an assistant coach for our LDRL team.

Adam loves the Eagles LDRL “hook, line & sinker. Where else would you get to play at Wembley -it was a once-in-a-life time experience - and in front of over 35,000 people, three times, at the Magic Weekends. It’s Like Wow!”

He was a licensed football coach, but moved to the Eagles when a close footballer friend died.

” For me, it was rock bottom, men aren’t good at talking about emotions. I got so much out of the ‘Rugby Cares’ course run by Paul Broadbent & Craig Lingard. Safeguarding is so important. I’m planning a special week with the Foundation for November.”

As an infant, Adam was diagnosed as having mild-to-moderate learning difficulties. At 16, Adam went to a Specialist Residential School in Lincolnshire.

“For ten years I’ve been an Engagement Officer with Sheffield University’s Health Partnership. The work raised issues about autism. I was finally diagnosed in December 2025. It lifted a weight off me. I can put it in a place.”

Adam is still a registered player with our LD team, but he is now coaching the Friday night sessions and will do his RL Community Level 1 coaching badge later this year.

” I want to stay with the Eagles. It’s family orientated. There’s lots of respect from the players & managers.”