Ed’s journey began with a two-week taster session at the Civic Theatre, where he participated in community rugby activities.

Despite facing challenges in communication and social skills due to his learning needs, Ed quickly demonstrated an impressive understanding of the game.

“He picked up the skills remarkably fast and enjoyed every moment,” said Stephen Parsons, community development officer for Newcastle Rugby Foundation. “It was clear to see that this wasn’t going to be a flash in the pan for him.”

Following the initial sessions, Ed attended practices at Kingston Park Stadium, marking his first experience at a professional venue. His enthusiasm for rugby led him to join the Learning Disability team run by the foundation, where he has since become an integral member.

But the impact that playing has had on him reached beyond the field. It has fostered within him a personal growth and independence that a few months ago would have seemed insurmountable. With the assistance of a support worker, he now travels independently to training sessions and fixtures.

Ed’s integration into the team has also opened doors to new friendships with peers from various regions and community groups, and he he is always on the lookout for opportunities to learn more and meet new people.

“Ed is always asking how he can contribute more to the team and help others learn, it’s opened up his mind and his world. The best bit is this is just the beginning for him”, explained Stephen.

According to recent statistics, approximately 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability. This includes around 1.3 million people in England, with over 950,000 of them being adults. 

Sport England’s Active Lives data shows that 43.1% of adults with learning disabilities are inactive compared to the national average of 25.2%, and yet 75% of participants in inclusive sports programmes report improved social connections. Ed’s story goes to highlight the importance of creating accessible sporting environments that cater to diverse needs.

As Ed continues to thrive in his rugby journey, he stands as a testament to the power of community sports in transforming lives and fostering inclusivity. The future looks bright for Ed as he embraces new challenges and opportunities within the sport he loves.

To discover more about Newcastle Rugby Foundation’s learning disability session, please contact community development officer Stephen Parsons on stephen.parsons@newcastle-falcons.co.uk .