Leeds Rhinos Foundation Celebrate 20 year anniversary

This year, Leeds Rhinos Foundation commemorates its 20th anniversary and at tonight’s game, the club will celebrate some of the charity’s significant achievements over the last two decades.

Established in 2005, with the mission to change lives through the power of sport, Leeds Rhinos has worked with thousands of people through many projects and across all ages. Whether their contact has been with a young player developing their Rugby League skills, or a teenager accessing their mental health and educational projects or an adult utilising their health projects, which supports people living with dementia, arthritis and Parkinson’s, the charity aims to make a positive and lasting impact. 

Earlier this year, Leeds Rhinos Foundation revealed the findings of the first-ever Social Impact report into its work, which found that for every £1 invested into the charity, £10.49 of social value is generated.

Through the delivery of over 60 projects and initiatives, Leeds Rhinos Foundation continues to demonstrate the positive role it plays in the community.  The report demonstrated that not only does the charity deliver work that impacts the individual, but also the wider reach on the whole community, with a ripple effect that has positive outcomes for areas such as NHS resources.

2025 Highlights in numbers

• Over 100 qualified coaches have gained qualifications via Leeds Rhinos Foundation in 2025
• Over 700 players have accessed player development and pathway opportunities in 2025
• Over 30 volunteer coaches have accessed coaching pathway opportunities in 2025
• 5,000 young people have taken part in Rhinos match day activities
• 45,000 young people have been involved in PE Activity at partner schools
• 4,000 young people have attended wellbeing programmes
• 1,121 people have participated in inclusion programmes in 2025

Projects delivered by Leeds Rhinos Foundation

Here are just some of the examples of work the charity offers in the community.

Ahead of the Game

A ground-breaking programme that teaches young people the importance of looking after their mental fitness.

Inspiring Futures

A targeted intervention programme which uses Rugby League as a catalyst to engage young people aged 11 to 14 in crime prevention education.

Offload

A free 6-week mental fitness and wellbeing programme to support people with issues such as depression and anxiety, giving them tools to improve their mental health fitness.

Motivate

A free 12-week healthy living and physical activity project for individuals diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis

In Touch Demetia

A free monthly service for people living with dementia to enjoy an afternoon reliving fond memories of Rugby League at AMT Headingley Stadium.

Parkinson’s UK Physical Activity

Weekly meetings for people living with Parkinson’s to improve and maintain their physical activity levels through accessible, fun and engaging rugby themed sessions.

Rhinos Brew Veteran’s Café

Weekly sessions for Armed Forces veterans in Leeds focusing on education, social engagement, wellbeing, and physical activity.

Inclusion Rugby

With the ambition to ensure Rugby League is a sport that is accessible for everyone, Leeds Rhinos Foundation runs Physical Disability, Learning Disability and Wheelchair Rugby League teams.

Rhinestones Dance Academy

Set up in 2009, Rhinestones gives the opportunity for young people to access weekly dance classes at an affordable price, offering cheer and street training.

Community Club Support Scheme

Offering regular courses and support for community club coaches and administrators and providing opportunities for players to enjoy activities such as playing on the pitch at half time and taking part in indoor touch and mini festivals

Rhinos Talent Pathway (RTP)

RTP aims to increase the number of quality Rugby League players aged between 12 and 16, providing a clear pathway from the grassroots game into Scholarship, Academy rugby and beyond.

Rugby League Development Plan

The Rugby League Development Plan was initially launched in 2012 and today works towards increasing participation, improving player retention, supporting women and girls rugby as well as coach education and development.

Support Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Work

To donate to Leeds Rhinos Foundation visit https://www.justgiving.com/leedsrugby/friend-search/?q=&s=CharitySpecific&p=7 or sign up for this year’s Leeds Big Sleep fundraising event which takes place on 23rd October at AMT Headingley.