We are delighted to announce that in partnership with the Mersey Storm Wheelchair Rugby League Club, the Widnes Vikings will be operating our very own wheelchair side from October 2023 onwards.
The Mersey Storm were founded back in 2009 and are one of wheelchair rugby league’s real pioneers in the UK.
In the 14 years since, they’ve been a standalone club playing fixtures up and down the country, but have recently been faced with the threat of closure after issues securing funding.
However, Widnes’ expansion in recent years to run both Women’s RL and Learning Disability Super League teams concurrently with the first team opened up an opportunity for the Storm to combine under the Vikings’ banner.
Mersey Storm secretary Leanne Brownlow said, “This has the potential to be one of the biggest Rugby League partnerships in the North West” and that “the time is right for our two clubs to combine.”
“With the establishment of women’s and LDSL teams, the current setup at the Vikings have shown that they’re willing to provide access and opportunities for everyone in the community, regardless of ability, age or gender.”
As shown by the sport’s breakthrough appearance on terrestrial TV during the delayed 2021 Rugby League World Cup, Wheelchair RL can be played by both disabled and able-bodied participants, and the Vikings side will be open to anyone who wants to try their hand at this fast-growing form of the greatest game.
Prior to the 2024 season beginning in February of next year, the club will be working to secure further funding and sponsorship, as the Storm’s backroom staff become accustomed to life at the DCBL Stadium.
The Vikings Wheelchair side will operate from the Storm’s previous home at the Kingsway Leisure Centre in Widnes, the first pre-2024 session taking place on Friday 13th October.
So, if you’re interested in exploring wheelchair rugby league, or know someone who is, please contact the Vikings on 0151 495 2250, or via enquiries@widnesvikings.co.uk, and become part of the ever-expanding Vikings family!
