York RLFC Foundation is delighted to have secured funding to deliver “On The Same Team” a pioneering programme developed by Rugby League’s Social Care Partner, Community Integrated Care to empower compassionate inclusive, compassionate attitudes in young people.

The new funding provided by the York and North Yorkshire Office for Police, Fire, Crime and Commissioning’s Community Fund, will support over 6,000 young people across 24 locations in the City of York to help address bullying and discrimination.

Working in conjunction with Community Integrated Care and the York and North Yorkshire Office for Policing, Fire, Crime and Commissioning, the Foundation will deliver the programme to more than a dozen schools in the city and several community organisations and clubs.

On The Same Team offers simple and inspiring education that helps young people to understand the impact of their words and behaviours on other people, and how we all thrive when we’re On The Same Team. Using the stories of rugby league role models and players in the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League, it is uniquely powerful and engaging.

The programme was developed by Community Integrated Care as a response to rising hate crime and discrimination in society. It has recently won the prestigious ‘Co-Production Award’ at the Great British Care Awards for its innovation and impact.

As an early intervention project, it leverages the powerful influence of rugby league—a sport deeply rooted in community spirit and inclusivity—to create a platform for education and change. It addresses crime, bullying, anti-social behaviour and tackles prejudice before it forms. 

Community Integrated Care is one of the UK's biggest and most respected social care charities. Delivering more than 8 million hours of care and support across communities, they see firsthand every day the trauma, damage and impact of crime, anti-social behaviour, bullying and hate crime on disabled and vulnerable communities. On The Same Team addresses these issues and with 20,000 young people signing up for this programme to date, this programme is making a lasting difference.

 Adam Prentis, York RLFC Foundation Delivery Manager said:

“We are extremely excited by this news and looking forward to beginning work on this project. With this level of funding, we can make a significant impact in addressing hate crime, anti-bullying, and promoting inclusion—issues that our Foundation is deeply passionate about.

“These themes are more relevant than ever and taking the time to talk to young people and appreciate each other's actions is vital for York to continue being a great place to live.

 “This project aims to support young people in our community by promoting "Being Safe and Feeling Safe." We offer sports activities to prevent crime and reduce the fear of anti-social behaviour through education, real-life examples, and case studies.

"This programme emphasises that all members of our society deserve equal opportunities, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

"I would also like to thank York CVS for their support, Office for Policing, Fire, Crime and Commissioning, and Community Integrated Care for their support."

Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime said:

“Bullying can have a devastating impact on people’s mental and physical health and can even cross the line into criminal activity.

Mayor David Skaith and I are committed to ensuring safe spaces for all. Sports are a powerful enabler, to connect communities and build confidence and aspiration. Key to the mayor’s vision for communities is early intervention. Giving young people access to strong role models and encouraging honest conversation is one of the best forms of early intervention.

“I am delighted that the Community Fund has supported the ‘On the same team’ programme, as it has so many others, using sport as a way to help young people understand the impact of their words and actions, and where to get help if they are victims of bullying themselves.”

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, said: “We are thrilled to see York RLFC Foundation secure this incredible programme and inspired by the scale of their ambitions. The opportunity to inspire 6000 young people to reflect upon their beliefs and values, and understand the impact of bullying and discrimination, can support generational change – supporting safer and more supportive schools and communities.”

(Picture shows Adam Prentis - York RLFC Foundation Delivery Manager, Danny Palmer (Year 3 Teacher and PE Lead), Natalie Boyne (Pastoral and Mental Health Lead), Nicola Adams (Headteacher of Clifton Green Primary School), children from the School Council.)

For more information, please contact Adam Prentis on 01904 670 880 or email a.prentis@yorkrlfc.com.

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