THE Rugby Football League reflected, in their recent ‘More than a Sport’ report, on a number of laudable and worthy initiatives launched in 2025, all of which have had a significant social impact.
High among those was, appropriately, the ‘Week of Social Impact’, a seven-day campaign in late October in which the RFL and the RFL Community Trust joined charitable foundations in “spotlighting the incredible work that’s ongoing within our communities and celebrating all that has been achieved so far”.
The social-impact week focused on “building a better future” and “consisted of authentic, story-telling content that focused on the Rugby League family (our communities) and opportunities within the sport that go beyond the 80 minutes.”
In addition, the Community Trust was established as a charity in February 2025 and was seen as marking a significant step forward for Rugby League’s social-impact mission, with “continued growth in programmes that use the power of the sport to improve lives, strengthen communities and tackle inequalities.”
The report stressed: “Working alongside foundations, clubs, partners and the wider Rugby League family, the trust has helped position Rugby League as a force for positive change across health, wellbeing, education, employability and social cohesion.
“The trust provides a dedicated vehicle to drive the sport’s social-impact ambitions, working in partnership with foundations and external organisations under the OuRLeague Life brand.
“Twenty five foundations have now met the minimum standards required to partner with the trust, demonstrating strong governance, delivery capability and commitment to social impact. This network is well placed to collaborate on future consortium programmes and national initiatives.”
The RFL also hailed Wigan Warriors Community Trust, who won the governing body’s foundation of the year accolade in 2025, while Leigh Community Trust and Castleford Tigers Foundation were the runners-up. Wigan were presented with their award at half-time during the Men’s Super League Grand Final in October.
Meanwhile the RFL aim to focus on the south of England in furthering a network of accredited community wellbeing hubs.
The report stated: “The network is continuing to slowly grow, with Thatto Heath Crusaders launching in 2025, making a total of nine hubs.
“A wider 31 community clubs are working towards their accreditations, and we will strive to pass our target of establishing 30 OuRLeague community wellbeing hubs by 2030.
“However one of the challenges continues to be expanding out of the north of England. Although club visits have taken place in the south we have not yet accredited a southern region club. We aim to continue to support those who expressed an interest to build towards this.”