Overview
Halifax Wheelchair Rugby League Club, established in 2005, is a leading UK wheelchair rugby league team with a history of multiple titles. Founded by Malcolm Kielty MBE, the club champions inclusivity and disability sport, offering competitive play and community outreach. Based at Calderdale College, it runs school programs that unite children, both with and without disabilities. The club thrives on the dedication of local volunteers who support its ongoing activities and development efforts.
Halifax Wheelchair Rugby League Club is a leader in wheelchair rugby league in the UK. Founded in 2005, the club has achieved multiple Betfred Wheelchair Super League championships, including a league title, three Grand Final wins, three Challenge Cup victories, and a European Championship. The club remains committed to the traditional rules of rugby league, with adjustments made to accommodate the wheelchair format’s unique requirements.
Malcolm Kielty MBE, the club’s founder, is a passionate advocate for wheelchair rugby and disability sport. His vision of creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to compete in rugby league has been pivotal in the success of the club. Malcolm’s efforts have played a key role in introducing wheelchair rugby to the UK and fostering its growth.
The club’s commitment to community involvement is further supported by the invaluable contributions of local volunteers who help sustain its activities and outreach programs.
Operating out of the Inspire Centre at Calderdale College, the club offers sessions in local schools, creating an inclusive environment where children—both with and without disabilities—can enjoy the sport together.
With funding from Grants for Good, the club will purchase junior wheelchairs, which cost around £2,000 each. This will remove the financial barrier for young players, allowing them to participate in the sport, and support the development of the next generation of wheelchair rugby league athletes.
Being shortlisted is incredible. We are a small, high impact charity open to all voluntary sector leaders across South Yorkshire. Many of the charities we support are small or medium sized organisations, the smallest being a food bank and community larder operating from the founder’s own house.
Support for us means support for a wide range of diverse charities from across the region, resulting in a significant impact for a large number of communities and service users.
Martin Singer
