NORTH Wales Crusaders Wheelchair Rugby League, the first wheelchair side to be established in Wales, will be backed all the way by Sport Wales and Disability Sport Wales.

Following on from the success of the Wales national side, who competed in the first ever Home Nations which took place in Hull last year, North Wales Crusaders and Wales Rugby League are adding this latest venture to the growing number of community projects that are going on in North Wales.

This project, which sees the start of a pathway forming from the community game to international level, has caught the eye of both Sport Wales and Disability Sport Wales and they are delighted to be onboard.

Graham Williams, North Wales Regional Manager for Sport Wales, said: “It is always extremely encouraging to see the development of new clubs as a result of Sport Wales funding”, Williams said.

“In the last 12 months Sport Wales have made considerable investment into developing facilities for Wales Rugby League at the Deeside Leisure Centre.

“Alongside funding for the creation of this new wheelchair rugby league team, investment has also been made through Flintshire County Council to fully equip a new strength and conditioning facility which will further strengthen the development of rugby league in North Wales.

“It is part of the Sport Wales vision to create thriving community clubs that are accessible to all. This is an excellent example of how a club can create opportunities to engage with new groups who otherwise would not have access to that particular sport.

“We are looking forward to watching the team develop over the coming months.”

Jon Morgan, Executive Director of Disability Sport Wales said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Wales Rugby League and the North Wales Crusaders to support the development of wheelchair rugby league across the North Wales region.”

“With the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup taking place in Great Britain later this year, this is the ideal time to promote this sport and we hope that many new members will join the programme over the months to come.

“It is also pleasing to see the commitment of the North Wales Crusaders towards the development of a wheelchair rugby league side. This inclusive approach is welcomed by Disability Sport Wales and it is hoped that many other clubs will follow their example.

“I wish the North Wales Crusaders every success and look forward to seeing the expansion of wheelchair rugby league across the Region as the sport grows in popularity.”

The launch takes place on March 29 (Friday) at Deeside Leisure Centre from 5.30pm, where the national team will also be in attendance to partake in the session.

There will be further sessions after the launch as the side looks to be compete in the West Division with some established wheelchair rugby league names.