Autism Awareness Month Story | Mandy Butcher

09/04/2026

Written by Harry Welburn

April is Autism Awareness Month, and across the next three 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 Mandy Butcher, who plays for our Learning Disability team.

Mandy is an Engagement Officer with NHS Mental Health, and is also a guest lecturer with Hallam University’s Health & Social Care Lived Experience Partnership.

2026 is Mandy’s third season in the Sheffield Eagles Learning Disability squad. 

Mandy and her husband Adam, originally watched the Eagles before getting invited to try the Friday night LDRL sessions.

“It was great to see the sparkle coming back in Adam’s eyes. We enjoy it.”

Mandy was diagnosed with Autism in December 2025, 36 years after, as a 6-year-old, she was statemented as having mild-to-moderate learning difficulties.

“I didn’t have good experiences at school, I was picked on, and I suffered a lot. I didn’t play team sports, it was either me and the teacher, or me on my own hitting a ball against a wall.”

LDRL: “it’s like a family, I’ve made new friends, and it’s good for my physical and mental health.”