Sensory-Impaired Children take Part in Touch Rugby

A touch rugby team in West Yorkshire has helped to unveil innovative new equipment to help children with sensory impairments take part in the sport.

The equipment was designed by the Cerebra Innovation Centre and features alerts to prompt children when they have been ‘tackled’. Prompts include vibrations and light displays that provide additional sensory indicators that a tackle has taken place. 

The children’s seven-a-side rugby match took place recently during half time at Leeds Rhinos’ home clash with Wolves at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium, and was organised as part of Cerebra’s Relay Your Way event.

Cerebra, the national UK charity dedicated to supporting children who have a neurological condition, created Relay Your Way to promote inclusivity in sports and ensure that no child is left on the sidelines.

Over 33 days a relay baton is journeying through towns and cities in Scotland, England and Wales, bringing together thousands of people in a celebration of accessibility, adventure and inclusion. 

People like nine-year-old Ava Dean who signed up to be part of the rugby team demonstrating the new equipment for the first time. Ava, who is on the pathway for a dual assessment for autism and ADHD, is an enthusiastic participant in sport.

“Ava is a strong-willed child who is very creative,” said Ava’s mum, Nicola.

“She can struggle with sensory overload, and she can have difficulties with everyday things like getting ready or different social situations. She really wants to be doing what everyone else is doing but struggles sometimes. 

“When I told Ava about the rugby, she was really excited. She’s tried normal tag rugby at school so she’s quite giddy about that!” 

The tag belt system is just one of hundreds of innovative, bespoke items designed free of charge by the Cerebra Innovation Centre, which works with parents, carers and professionals to come up with fun solutions centred to the specific needs of the child.

“Sport should be equally accessible to everyone, so it’s an honour to be able to showcase the inspiring work of Cerebra’s Innovation Centre in breaking down existing barriers to participation for some young touch rugby players,” said Jess Camburn-Rahmani, CEO at Cerebra.

Relay Your Way will be making its way through England and Wales until July 6, when participants will cross the finish line at the Parallel Windsor Festival of Inclusivity.

To find out more, visit the Relay Your Way website www.relayyourway.org