SAM’S WHEELCHAIR RUGBY JOURNEY: AN INCLUSIVE SPORT FOR EVERYBODY
At the Fylde Rugby Community Foundation, we believe rugby truly is a sport for everyone. Thanks to the support of Wareing Buildings and J&M Cars, our free weekly wheelchair rugby sessions at AKS Lytham St Annes give people of all abilities the chance to be active, social, and part of a supportive team. One of the many inspiring stories to come from these sessions is Sam’s. Finding Confidence Through Wheelchair Rugby: Sam joined wheelchair rugby during a difficult time in his life. His mental health had taken a dip in his final year of high school, leaving him feeling low and withdrawn. But since starting the sessions, things have changed dramatically. “I’ve lost over 30kg since I’ve started wheelchair rugby. My mental health was feeling low in my last year of high school and it provided me with space to have fun, chill out and be sociable, which has helped my mental health return to normal. It’s made me more confident to talk to people and even take public transport, like a taxi from college sometimes. I’m a bit less shy than I was. I like the team atmosphere and the people within it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone and I really enjoy it. I enjoy being competitive and improving myself. It’s given me the confidence to go to the gym.” – Sam A Parent’s Perspective: Sam’s progress hasn’t just been physical, it’s been life- changing. His mum has seen first-hand the impact wheelchair rugby has had on his health, confidence, and independence: “Wheelchair rugby has had a huge positive impact on Sam’s physical and mental well-being. It has helped him lose a huge amount of weight and strengthen his core. I can’t stress enough how much it’s helped his mental health. His resilience has improved, his mood has lifted, and it gives him a place where he feels he belongs. Sam enjoys all aspects of wheelchair rugby, from the team atmosphere to the socials. When he first started, he was shy, and I would attend the sessions with him. Now he goes independently and looks forward to both training and the social side. The encouragement he gets from everyone involved is amazing and has had such a positive influence on him, and our whole family. We are so thankful for these sessions and feel very lucky to have them locally.”* – Sam’s Mum
Why Wheelchair Rugby Matters: Sam’s story is just one example of how sport can transform lives. The Wareing Buildings and J&M Cars Wheelchair rugby at AKS is more than just a game — it’s a chance to: • Build confidence and resilience • Improve physical and mental well-being • Develop social skills and friendships • Belong to a supportive community Most importantly, it’s inclusive, open to everyone, regardless of experience, ability, or background. Get Involved: The Fylde Rugby Community Foundation runs free weekly wheelchair rugby sessions at AKS Lytham St Annes, open to all. Whether you’re looking to try something new, get active, or just meet people in a welcoming environment, you’ll find a place here. As Sam says: “I would definitely recommend it to anyone.” If you’d like to join us or learn more about the programme, visit our website or get in touch today. Thank you J Wareing & Son – Wrea Green Ltd and J&M Cars for your support of this incredible programme!
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