LDSL volunteer and Wheelchair Development player makes history with coaching qualification

The RFL last week congratulated the latest 11 recipients of a Level 1 Coaching Qualification following a summer course at Leeds West Academy that was modified specifically to allow Jenny Robinson to make Rugby League history.

Jenny is a Wheelchair user with autism as well as learning disabilities, and the qualification will allow her to work with Primary Rugby League teams (aged 7-11).

Sam Horner, Rugby League Development Officer at Leeds Rhinos Foundation who was added to the RFL’s Roll of Honour last winter for his outstanding service to the sport, made adaptations to each of the four sessions to allow Jenny to progress with the other 10 students on the course.

Sharon Harland, the RFL’s Coach Education Business Administration Manager, said:

“Working in the Coach Education Department, I’m lucky to see how much work goes on behind the scenes and without any publicity for the good of the sport.

“But I think Jenny’s achievement deserves wider recognition – and the same goes for the way Sam Horner and the other people on the course went the extra mile to support her.

“It really is inspirational, for Jenny to show that learning disabilities need not prevent her from becoming a Rugby League coach, and being able to inspire future Rugby League players.”

Listen to Jenny’s experience on the RFL level 1 coaching course here:

Jenny, a passionate Leeds Rhinos supporter, has previously worked as a volunteer at several major Rugby League events, as part of the RFL’s trailblazing partnership with Community Integrated Care – while her partner, Declan Jenkinson, plays for the Rhinos in the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League.

If you’d like to follow Jenny’s example and get involved in Rugby League Coaching, the RFL runs a variety of courses from levels 1-4, and also a level 2 Wheelchair Rugby League Coaching Course – full details here Coaching Courses Overview