The Hull FC Community Foundation’s Try For Change scheme is back in 2023, giving local businesses the opportunity to ‘change lives through Rugby League.’
Launched last year, each partner of the ‘Try For Change’ project will make a small donation to the Hull FC Community Foundation, which will go towards meeting the costs of disability projects, helping provide more equal opportunities for all abilities as the Black & Whites strive to make Rugby League as inclusive as possible.
A minimum £5 donation will be made every time Hull FC score a try in the Betfred Super League or the Betfred Challenge Cup.
With the loyal support of several local businesses, over £11,000 was raised through Try For Change in 2022, a figure that was increased to £15,000 thanks to a remarkably generous donation from the club.
The significant investment was a catalyst for the following:
- 30% increase in the number of players to have joined Hull FC’s LDSL team from 2021, taking the total number of players in the squad to 33. They have represented the Black & Whites at seven RFL festivals across the year, as well as accessing weekly training sessions.
- A 44% increase in the number of players to have joined Hull FC’s Wheelchair Rugby League club, with 28 players representing the club at 14 fixtures during 2022. Following the profile of the format of the game at the recent Rugby League World Cup, there is a target on scaling these figures even further in 2023.
- Launching a Physical Disability Rugby League side in 2022, with twelve players now registered for the team.
Without the crucial support of the Try For Change partners, providing opportunities like those outlined above simply would not be possible. The investment of the Community Foundation’s current Try For Change partners has enabled qualified coaches to deliver each of the playing offers, whilst giving squads better access to high-quality training venues and equipment.
Relay Port Agency, Yorkshire Staffing, Rowe Freight, Dennis Butler, J O’Neills, Vista Frames and Arcmaster have all pledged their support to the Try For Change scheme in 2023, and there is still chance for you to join the team, helping improve inclusion opportunities in Rugby League in Hull and the East Riding.
Head of Hull FC’s Community Foundation James Price said: “We are incredibly grateful to the support provided by a handful of local companies, and we are thrilled to be going around with the scheme again this year.
“Try For Change massively helps us provide access to better facilities and better equipment, generating an all-round better experience for participants when they are playing in games or training.”
If you would like to join the Try For Change programme, or if you require further information, please email james.price@hullfc.com.