Partner Spotlight: Leigh Leopards Foundation
The Leigh Leopards Foundation is the official charity of Leigh Leopards Rugby League Club, dedicated to making a lasting impact on the local community. Using the power of sport, and with staff who have diverse expertise in supporting people with Special Educational Needs (SEN), we deliver programmes that promote wellbeing, personal development, and social inclusion for people of all ages.
Our foundation's work focuses on creating opportunities for individuals to grow, thrive, and feel valued, both within and outside of the sports environment. We engage with schools, local organisations, and community groups to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or ability, can benefit from our initiatives. Over the past several months, we have been working with two primary schools, each with its own unique set of challenges and needs. Our focus has been on supporting students' social and emotional development, helping them navigate negative emotions, build self-esteem, and gain positive relationships skills.
At one of the schools, we recognised an opportunity to adapt our approach for greater impact. Initially, we worked with a single group of 12 students. However, after careful observation, we made the decision to split the group into three smaller groups of six. This allowed us to tailor our sessions more effectively, grouping children with similar needs together for more focused support and being able to add on a few more students. By making this adjustment, we have seen stronger engagement from the students and a noticeable improvement in their ability to express themselves, regulate their emotions, and interact positively with others.
Through our work, we have witnessed firsthand the difference that targeted social and emotional support can make in a child’s confidence and well-being. The impact has been particularly evident in students who initially struggled to engage, but over time have shown greater resilience, self-awareness, and positive peer interactions.
Looking ahead to the summer term, we are excited to continue our relationship with All Child and expand our support to two more schools. We look forward to building new connections, understanding the unique needs of these schools, and continuing to make a positive impact on children’s social and emotional development.
