Sale Sharks are paving a way for Rugby inclusivity with their incredible Down Syndrome rugby programme.
The programme is in memory of Sean Brown who sadly passed at 32 years of age and known as a touching person in both club rugby and the Greater Manchester area. He was a cherished fan and ex-professional Sharks player. The programme has been dubbed the Crusaders Fins Club (CFC) as Sean’s favourite team was the New Zealand Super Rugby side, the Crusaders. The organisation has been know to work well with the local community, but this kind of work is paving a new ways for sports inclusivity.
The programme was founded back in 2020, back then there wasn’t any provisions for Down Syndrome rugby specific sessions.
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The club has become a vital support for both players and families to find a community just like them, to have shared experiences and bond. The initiative is supported through the Tackle Together initiative which is supported by the MBNA Community Investment Programme.
The programme runs bi-weekly on Sundays in Carrington, at the clubs High Performance Training Centre. The programme isn’t just about playing rugby its about helping build fundamental skills for Down Syndrome participants and making them feel they belong.
A place to build friendships, confidence and identity.
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It isn’t just the Down Syndrome community within the disabled community that need to be represented, it is everyone. It is hard for anyone within the disabled community to participate no matter how severe a diagnosis or injury.
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I spoke to Olli Barclay to get his opinion on the programme from the point of view of a person within the disabled community.
“I feel like people with disabilities really do struggle to fit in within communities in sport and these programmes that the club offers really do help people fit in.”.
It is clear that inclusivity is a massive thing within sports communities, sports being the common denominator that can link all communities together. The Sale Sharks have impacted so many lives from money raised to hours of time given to make the disabled community feel like they belong is incredible.
Abi Dean, CEO of Sale Sharks Foundation, said:
“Our new strategy champions the power of rugby to bring people together, break down barriers and support healthier lives across our communities. It sets out a focused five‑year framework shaped by local need, and with the support of our team, our partners and the wider Sale Sharks family, we’re ready to deliver lasting change across the North West.”
SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION LAUNCHES LEVELLING THE FIELD – A BOLD NEW FIVE-YEAR STRATEGY | Sale Sharks
This short video helps show the impact that inclusivity within sporting communities is integral.
It is clear to see the real power of sport lies beyond the white lines.