Eagles celebrate Learning Disability Week
16/06/2026
Written by Harry Welburn
“Do you see me?” is the theme of Learning Disability Week, which is celebrated this week. It can be seen, in action, across the work of the Eagles Foundation.
Learning Disability Week is organised by the UK charity Mencap. The week shines a light on the lives, achievements, and experiences of the 1.5 million people in the UK with a learning disability. The 2026 theme is “Do you see me?”, asking the public to recognise, value, and listen to people with a learning disability.
The LDRL train at the Steel City Stadium every Friday evening. The emphasis: “inclusivity & having fun”.
Recently, The Eagles had two teams, consisting of 14 players, a player-coach, and 3 coaches, all with a Learning Disability or an associated condition, attend Hull K.R.’s Sewell Group Craven Park stadium, taking part in a 18-team Community Integrated Care Festival.
JAMES:” I enjoyed everything, especially the rain, and scoring lots of tries”.
MARK:” It was a good day. Most of the teams we played against were more experienced”.
ISSAC: “I enjoy The Eagles”. Playing 8 matches, in 3 hours, evidenced the values of the weekly Friday evening coaching.”
ADAM:” teamwork, sportsmanship, communication, quick passing, – the emphasis on communication, working as a line in attack & defence.”
DOM:” it put a marker down, where we started at the beginning of the season, and where we are now.”
The festival again demonstrated the Foundation’s emphasis on Inclusivity.
MANDY:” “it’s like a family. I’ve made new friends. It’s good for my physical & mental health.”
ANITA: “the friendliness of the team, we all have a laugh, the festivals have been fantastic.”
The LDRL squad will again be at the Super League Magic Weekend. A morning Festival, followed then by a match during half time of the Hull F.C. v. Hull K.R. fixture, at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
CHLOE:” Magic Weekend is just amazing. We take part in a mini-Festival, then go to the stadium to play a half time match. Doing it in front of that big a crowd, it’s mental.”
LDRL members Luke & James are also in the Eagles PDRL squad whilst Lucas, fifteen, is in the LDRL squad, plays Walking RL, and is a volunteer (& role model) at the weekly Junior Wheelchair session. Lucas plays competitively for the Eagles Wheelchair Development Squad and has been selected by the RFL to take part in three England Pathway Sessions.
On Eagles match days the LDRL team are very visible: as a vocal & enthusiastic set of Eagles supporters.
LOKI: “it’s really fun, and I get to be very loud”;
As a volunteer, MATTY: “I knew the Eagles would need help, with everything that’s happened at the club. I stand at the Gate and ask people if they’d like a Match Day Team Sheet.”&, at half-time, I then go on the pitch, playing a mini match.
BEN: “it’s nice to be seen; it shows people that Learning Difficulties don’t affect you”.
DO You SEE ME? Definitely.
If you’d like to get involved with our Learning Disability team, please email Eagles Foundation Disability Inclusion Officer, Lilliana Ciaraolo - liliana.ciaraolo@eaglesfoundation.co.uk
