A rugby team for young people with down syndrome has been described as a “lifeline” by parents who say there is a chronic lack of opportunities for their children.
Leicester Tigers launched the team in October last year and now has over 40 families signed up for their fourteen-day training sessions.
Kelly Towl, whose eight-year-old Lucie-Ann attends the sessions, said the team has had a positive impact on her daughter.
“There are not many smack that are aimed exclusively at children with down syndrome, so it’s positive that this is actually happening,” she said. “Your children will not be judged, we will not be judged… we are all in the same boat.”
Towl, a mother-of-three whose family are Leicester Tigers fans and regularly attend games, said she was very excited about the opportunity for her daughter to take part in the Sport.
“I think that children with down syndrome, they are stereotyped… so it’s really a lifesaver, and other sports and other teams should really take note of that,” she said. “You just need to see the smile on their faces on a Sunday morning and the hug they give each other, it’s just in tears.”
Judy Lindsay-Timmins, parents of Louis, 17, described the team as a “safe and wonderful environment for our young people” who developed their son’s communication, concentration and confidence.
“Louis is very active, likes to be outdoors and have the opportunity to play sports like anyone else,” she said. “He feels like a member of a team. A Family Group… because instead of being on the edge, he is embraced, he is part of it.”
Parents called the team indispensable, especially due to the chronic shortage of community groups for children and families with down syndrome.
When asked if there were similar groups around her, Lindsay-Timmons replied: “No, definitely not. We live in Lincolnshire, so we drive almost an hour, so more than 30 miles, because there is nothing in our area.”
“I moved to the Midlands around June last year, and when I started my new role, I saw that there wasn’t much in the East Midlands, just for people with down syndrome. That’s how the idea of creating a team came about, and Leicester Tigers were really into it… it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Kirby, head of education at the Leicester Tigers Foundation, said she had seen “massive changes” in the children, with many proudly describing themselves as “Leicester Tigers players” and some older players coaching younger participants.