A magic weekend for the Panthers' LDSL team

Event: Magic Weekend 2026

Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool

Fixture: Halifax Panthers LDSL vs Sheffield Eagles LDSL (2 matches)

Halifax Panthers Learning Disability Super League team had the privilege of taking part in Magic Weekend, one of rugby league's showcase events, at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool.

Nineteen players travelled to represent the club, with every member of the squad featuring across two fixtures against Sheffield Eagles LDSL.

The event provided far more than a chance to play rugby. It offered players the opportunity to represent their community, experience a professional sporting environment and demonstrate their abilities on one of the sport's biggest stages.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/d9436a_bf3844d4b28c495ebbdff9d30bf90d0d/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Impact on players

Playing at a professional stadium was a memorable experience for everyone involved. Walking onto the pitch in front of a large crowd created a genuine sense of pride and achievement, with many players experiencing an environment they had never thought possible.

Playing at Magic Weekend made me feel really happy and proud. I loved running out in my Halifax Panthers shirt and hearing everyone cheering. It was a day I will never forget. Being part of Halifax Panthers LDSL has given me confidence and helped me make new friends. Playing at Magic Weekend showed me that I can do things I never thought I could, and that makes me really proud.

Kyle Rudding

The occasion encouraged players to embrace new challenges while supporting one another as teammates. Representing Halifax Panthers at such a prestigious event strengthened their connection to the club and reinforced the value of being part of a team.

Magic Weekend was amazing. I was excited and a bit nervous, but when the game started I just loved every minute. The crowd was loud and it made me smile. Playing for Halifax Panthers LDSL means a lot to me because I feel like part of a big family. It shows that people with learning disabilities can play rugby, have fun and make great memories just like everyone else.

Ben Bergin

The day also provided valuable social benefits. Travelling together, preparing for the matches and sharing the excitement of the occasion helped strengthen existing friendships while developing communication and teamwork skills that

extend beyond rugby.

Magic weekend was amazing for us to play in the ground as Halifax panthers LDSL.  The noise and the atmosphere was amazing. Fabulous games of rugby. We were sat right at the front which was even more special. For us it means anything is possible, no matter the disability.

Angie Mitchell

Building connections across the game

A particularly important aspect of Magic Weekend was the opportunity to mix with players from other clubs, including Leigh Leopards and several Championship organisations.

Bringing participants together from across the country created a strong sense of community and reflected the inclusive values that sit at the heart of Learning Disability Super League. Players built new friendships, celebrated each other's achievements and shared an experience that transcended club rivalries.

This highlighted that Learning Disability Super League is more than a competition; it is a network that promotes inclusion, respect and personal development while giving players opportunities to be part of something much bigger than their own team.

Wider impact

Events such as Magic Weekend demonstrate the importance of creating accessible pathways within sport. They showcase the talent, dedication and enthusiasm of people with learning disabilities while helping to challenge perceptions and increase awareness of Learning Disability Super League.

Families and supporters were able to watch their loved ones perform in a professional setting, creating lasting memories and highlighting the positive impact that inclusive sport can have on individuals and those around them.

Leading this team is one of the greatest honours of my life. It's emotional because I know what this moment means to every player and every family in the stands. I know there will be young people watching us who have a learning disability, and for the first time they might think, "That could be me one day." If we can inspire just one person to believe in themselves, then we've achieved something far greater than any result on the scoreboard.

Craig Serbert Smith - Halifax Panthers LDSL & PDRL Head Coach

Conclusion

Magic Weekend was an invaluable experience for Halifax Panthers LDSL. While the matches themselves were competitive and enjoyable, the most significant outcome was the lasting impact on the players.

The opportunity to perform at a major rugby league event provided memories that will stay with the squad for years to come while reinforcing the importance of inclusion within the sport.

The success of the day will not be measured by the scorelines, but by the pride felt by the players, the relationships strengthened and the experiences gained by everyone who represented Halifax Panthers Learning Disability Super League.