Halifax Panthers Foundation: Driving Inclusion and Opportunity Through Rugby League

Halifax Panthers Foundation are the official charity of the Halifax Panthers RLFC and is dedicated to fostering community unity, wellbeing and empowerment through sport, education and social initiatives in Calderdale.

Actions taken and changes delivered

With investment secured over 3 years through Active Calderdale, Halifax Panthers Foundation will be developing and expanding inclusive Rugby League opportunities through their Learning Disability Super League (LDSL), Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL), and Women’s Rugby League teams, based in Halifax, West Yorkshire. 

The aim is to create a sustainable, supportive, and growth-focused environment where people of all abilities, backgrounds, and genders can thrive through sport. 

The LDSL (Learning Disability Super League) and PDRL (Physical Disability Rugby League) programmes are designed for individuals with a range of disabilities, many of whom face significant barriers to participation in mainstream sport. These players benefit from structured, supportive environments that promote physical health, social connection, confidence, and independence. 

They also aim to support women and girls in Halifax and the surrounding areas who want to play Rugby League in a positive, safe, and professionally run environment. As the women’s game grows nationally, they are committed to providing local opportunities for development, competition, and progression, particularly for those who may not have had access to sport previously.

These projects will strive to benefit families, carers, and the wider community by offering inclusive events, reducing isolation, and building stronger social networks. Volunteers, many of whom are new to sport or disability inclusion, will gain valuable training and experience, increasing their confidence and skills.  

This is about more than rugby, it's about increasing confidence, physical wellbeing, social inclusion and life opportunities for people who often face barriers to participation. With the right support, we can create a lasting impact both on and off the field here in Halifax.  

Outcomes and impacts 

Over the next three years, we will monitor the impact by tracking participation growth and gathering feedback from players, families, and the community to understand the difference these projects make.

Watch this space!

“We would like to thank Active Calderdale for trusting the Halifax Panthers Foundation with a 3 three-year investment. Their support for women’s and girls’ rugby, alongside LDSL and PDRL rugby, demonstrates a shared commitment to growth, inclusion, and opportunity within our game and Calderdale. We are looking forward to the results of the investment over the 3 years.” - Nathan, Foundation Manager

“It’s a fantastic Active Calderdale and the Halifax Panthers Foundation have come together to help the women’s game grow in Calderdale. It’s a fantastic opportunity they’ve provided which should provide a great foundation to Halifax Panthers Women and the girls game in Calderdale. Looking forward to seeing how the next 3 years develops” - Amy Hardcastle, Women's Head Coach at Halifax Panthers Team & Rugby Super League Player at St. Helens R.F.C