Eagles LDRL set for Magic experience

01/06/2023

It’s an exciting time for the ever-growing Sheffield Eagles Learning Disability Rugby League squad as they get set to embark on their second consecutive Magic Weekend.

After a brilliant debut year, having played a number of different Festivals at different clubs, the squad has grown to 19 members - rising from the seven that went to last year’s Magic.

A vital part of the Eagles’ #OneClub strap-line, the LD team train on Friday nights at the Olympic Legacy Park between 6-7pm - on the same pitch as the Men’s first team.

“We took seven players up to Magic Weekend last year and I didn’t expect to feel as I did,” volunteer coach Mark Ward said.

“I was really emotional, my lad plays for the team so for him to play on the hallowed turf at Newcastle is absolutely awe-inspiring.

“This year we have grown to taking 19 players this season. It is an amazing journey in such a short space of time and we’re indebted to everyone at the Foundation.

“They’re all absolutely buzzing to be up there and we mustn’t forget that for Learning Disability Rugby, it’s to go to a different place and to see other people. The buzz of playing with other teams, even at Castleford last week, they’re hugging and shaking hands before and after the game.

“When a tag is pulled, they hand it back and there is a lot of positivity for all involved. They love it, we all love it as coaches. We’ve got Dave, Rob, Caps, Beth and Dean who all support - we can’t forget them as they’ve certainly helped the LD team grow.”

Those Friday nights at the OLP are highlights of the week for all involved at the club, with the Men’s first team interacting with the LD squad and helping to make memories.

“Inclusivity is being inclusive and talking to other teams, I find it interesting that we play every half-time while some others don’t or maybe can’t,” added Mark.

“We get to play every half-time and that raises the bar of inclusivity. Every single player of the Men’s squad take time out to come over and spend time with the team.

“They help with warmup, kicking practice and other drills. Bayley Liu in particular is brilliant but all the guys are amazing.

“They stand side-by-side as a team, as a club, and it’s unique across the sport that we get this access to the players who are so welcoming.”

Below is the LDRL squad that will be going to Magic Weekend as well as names of the coaches, who do a brilliant job at volunteering!

LDRL Squad;

GEORGE BAILEY

SHAUN BARKER

ADAM BUTCHER

JAMES CAMPBELL

ETHAN DOSANJH

JAMIE HEMMINGS

HAYDEN HOLDING

GEORGIE HOLLIDAY

JAMES HUDSON

MATT HUDSON

CHLOE MANN

LOKKI MANN

LUKE MARSH

ANNABELLE MCGEECHAN

NATALIE POOLE

BRANDON RHODES

SHELLEY ROBERTS

LAYTON SMITH

JAMES STEERS

BEN TAYLOR

ISAAC WARD

Coaches:

MARK WARD

DAVID BAILEY

ROB MCGEECHAN

Photo from Newcastle Thunder