READY TO ROLL? BE PART OF LEICESTER TIGERS’ NEW WHEELCHAIR RUGBY JUNIOR ACADEMY

The monthly programme gives young people aged eight to 17 years – and their families – the opportunity to try wheelchair rugby in a fun, inclusive and fully supported environment. Sessions take place once a month on Saturdays from 12:00 to 14:30 at De Montfort University (DMU) Leisure Centre.

Launched to make the sport more accessible, the Junior Academy has already hosted four sessions, with 15 junior players taking part so far.

No experience is needed and all chairs and kit are provided, removing barriers for families and allowing young people to simply turn up, get involved and enjoy the game. Friends and siblings are also welcome to join in, helping create a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere where everyone can feel part of the team.

The programme is overseen by Jamie Stead, former Paralympian, back-to-back European Champion and member of Great Britain’s historic Tokyo Paralympic gold medal-winning wheelchair rugby team.

The Junior Academy is supported by the Samworth Brothers Community Opportunity Fund, helping open up wheelchair rugby to more young people across Leicester and the surrounding community.

“Wheelchair rugby is about so much more than sport. It gives young people the chance to move, compete, have fun, make friends and discover what they are capable of in a space that has been built around them.