Building inclusive Rugby in Halifax

At the heart of Halifax’s rugby community, Halifax Rugby Union Football Club (RUFC) and Halifax Panthers are proving that the game is for everyone.

Based at Ovenden Park, Halifax RUFC is long-established and has built a strong reputation not just for rugby but for its deep commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and community spirit. From its Mixed Ability team, the Halifax Magpies, to initiatives like walking rugby, they are creating opportunities for people of all abilities to get involved in the sport.

A Shared Vision for Inclusion

This inclusive ethos aligns closely with the work of the Halifax Panthers Foundation, particularly through its Learning Disability Super League (LDSL) and Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) teams.

Together, the two organisations have formed a powerful partnership rooted in shared values of accessibility, participation, and wellbeing. While the Panthers Foundation provides structured disability rugby league opportunities, Halifax RUFC offers the space, facilities, and inclusive culture that bring those opportunities to life.

Creating the Right Environment

Access to high-quality facilities is key, and Halifax RUFC delivers.

Players benefit from:

• Well-maintained pitches and training areas

• A welcoming clubhouse

• A safe, consistent space to train and compete

Coaches and volunteers also bring experience in adapting sessions to suit different needs, ensuring every player can participate confidently and safely.

Investing in Accessibility

The club has made meaningful improvements to ensure the environment is truly inclusive, including:

• A fully accessible wet room, supporting dignity and comfort

• New disabled parking spaces, improving ease of access

• Improved pitch access and surrounding routes, making the site safer and more user-friendly

These upgrades are part of a wider commitment to removing barriers in sport.

More Than a Game

Beyond facilities, Halifax RUFC plays a vital role in building a strong sense of community.

The club provides a place where:

• Players form lasting friendships

• Families and carers feel supported

• Everyone feels part of something bigger

This sense of belonging has had a real impact on confidence, wellbeing, and social connection.

A Story of Impact: Angie’s Journey

For Angie Mitchell, a Halifax Panthers LDSL/PDRL player, rugby has been nothing short of life-changing.

“I’ve always been an active person and loved sports growing up, but I never played rugby. Finding it later in life has honestly been life-changing,” Angie explains.

After discovering the club while searching for opportunities for children, Angie was encouraged to try rugby as well, and hasn’t looked back since.

“The health benefits have been amazing. I’ve struggled with my mental health, but since starting rugby, I don’t feel as low or as stressed. It’s given me an outlet, structure, and something positive to focus on.”

What started as a step outside a comfort zone quickly became something much bigger.

“Watching both the players and my child grow in confidence gave me the push I needed to step onto the pitch too.”

Since then, Angie has seen improvements across all areas of life, from physical health to mental wellbeing.

“I’m eating healthier, my energy levels are better, and I feel stronger both physically and mentally. More than anything, I feel like I’m part of a family.”

That sense of belonging is something Angie values deeply.

“I genuinely look forward to training. We laugh, we joke, and that togetherness is so important. Being encouraged and told you’re doing well gives you such a boost.”

As a football coach outside of rugby, Angie understands the power of sport to bring people together.

“Rugby has given me purpose. It’s made me feel part of something special that’s growing every day, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Real Impact, On and Off the Pitch

The partnership between Halifax RUFC and the Halifax Panthers Foundation has delivered clear and lasting outcomes.

Together, they have:

• Expanded opportunities for people with disabilities to play rugby

• Raised awareness of inclusive rugby across Calderdale

• Strengthened pathways between community and club-level sport

• Supported the long-term sustainability of LDSL and PDRL teams

Disability players are now fully integrated into the wider rugby family, not as an addition, but as an essential part of the club.

As Halifax RUFC and the Halifax Panthers Foundation continue to work together, they are setting a powerful example of what inclusive sport can look like and ensuring that rugby in Calderdale truly is a game for all.

With thanks to Craig Serbert-Smith, Halifax Panthers Foundation PDRL & LDSL Head Coach, and Angie Mitchell for sharing their experiences.