Jack Pemberton to depart The Eagles Foundation
22/05/2025
Jack Pemberton, the Eagles Foundation’s Disability Inclusion Officer, will leave his post on Sunday 1st June to take up an exciting position with the Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation.
Jack has spent two years with the Eagles Foundation, with a remit to grow participation in the Eagles’ three disability participation offers – Learning Disability Rugby League, Physical Disability Rugby League and Wheelchair Rugby League.
His efforts have seen the LDRL team grow to become one of the largest groups in the country and the Wheelchair to be the first to run a dedicated junior section, whilst PDRL has seen the group starting to play fixtures with Jack having been instrumental from the birth of this team. In addition to the creation of the teams, Jack has delivered inclusive Rugby League activity to hundreds of people in community settings over his two-year tenure and has helped the Eagles Foundation to become a trusted partner in delivering disability sports provision in the city region.
Additionally, Jack has also led on other projects for the Eagles Foundation, such as the reintroduction of the Eagles Talent Pathway to help nurture local Rugby League playing talent and the hosting of two Iftars – the breaking of the fast meal during Ramadan – at Eagles games, embracing many members of the local community who would not normally attend an Eagles match.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my two years at the Eagles Foundation, and I’ve had the privilege to work alongside some incredible people”, said Jack.
“We’ve had a lot of success and some brilliant moments, with the Wheelchair team going undefeated in 2024 and the promotion to Super League; the creation of PDRL; the youth engagement and particularly the trip to Wembley for the 1895 Cup Final - I’m unbelievably proud to have been involved in delivering some special things for the Club and the Foundation.
“There are too many people to name individually, but I’d like to place on record my thanks to Andrea Dobson, David Butler and the trustees of the Foundation for placing their trust in me and for allowing me the space to grow personally and professionally.
“I’d also like to thank Mark Aston for his support and guidance over the last two years, particularly in establishing the Eagles Talent Pathway.
“I’m confident that with the people involved with the Foundation, the success we’ve had in terms of disability, social inclusion and player development across the city will continue for many years to come.”
“On behalf of everyone at the Eagles Foundation, I’d like to thank Jack for all his hard work over the last two years since he joined us” added David Butler, Eagles Foundation Chairperson.
“Jack is a dedicated and hardworking member of the team, who is always going the extra mile to give everyone a great experience. Whilst we are very disappointed to be losing him to Wakefield Trinity, we are thrilled for him that he has been able to secure a longer-term funded position, which he richly deserves.
“I am sure that we’ll be seeing plenty of Jack at the various festivals and events and we’ve talked about some collaboration on a few projects too, and I wish him good luck and every success in his new role!”
The Disability Inclusion Officer role is funded via a partnership with the Rugby Football League and the Eagles Foundation will shortly advertise for a replacement for Jack.
