Junior Wheelchair Rugby Academies Launched in Great Britain

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby has partnered with Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of Rugby  to launch the Wooden Spoon GBWR Junior Regional Academies,

Its an initiative that will expand inclusive playing and training opportunities for juniors to engage with wheelchair rugby at both grassroots and performance levels. 

Wooden Spoon has a long-standing commitment to supporting children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage, through the power of rugby. This partnership with GBWR is a natural extension of that mission; creating a dynamic, inclusive, and empowering space for young people with disabilities to thrive. 

Building Tomorrow’s Champions: Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Junior Regional Academies 

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby to launch the Wooden Spoon GBWR Junior Regional Academies; a transformative initiative set to redefine the landscape of junior wheelchair rugby across the UK. 

This exciting collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the sport’s development, creating a structured and inclusive pathway for young athletes and expanding opportunities for juniors to engage with wheelchair rugby at both grassroots and performance levels. 

A Game-Changer for Junior Wheelchair Rugby 

The new academies will provide increased playing and training opportunities for junior athletes in both wheelchair rugby (Paralympic discipline) and Wheelchair Rugby fives, while also welcoming young people who are not currently affiliated with local clubs. Wooden Spoon’s sponsorship is instrumental in supporting this growth, helping to build a vibrant and sustainable junior community. 

Why Junior Academies Matter 

Many junior players currently train within senior clubs under “Safe to Play” rules. While this has enabled participation, it often limits peer-to-peer engagement. The new academies will offer a dedicated space for juniors to connect, compete, and grow alongside athletes their own age; fostering personal development, confidence, and a shared passion for the sport. 

Aligned with GBWR’s Performance Pathway 

The academies will serve as the first step in GBWR’s performance pathway, offering consistent, high-quality coaching and a clear route for talented young athletes to progress. This structured environment is designed to nurture the next generation of Paralympians. 

Key Pillars of the Junior Academies 

• Talent Development: A structured environment aligned with GBWR’s talent pathway. 
• Inclusivity: Open to all junior players, including wheelchair ruby fives athletes. 
• Accessibility: Welcoming juniors regardless of club affiliation. 
• Competition: Regional teams will compete in tournaments, starting with the inaugural Junior Tournament on Saturday, 7th February 2026. 
• Academy Identity: Each academy will choose its name and design bespoke kit. 
• Geographic Boundaries: Players will join their nearest academy, with flexibility for border regions. 
• Regularity: A minimum of five sessions per year, complementing club commitments. 
• Junior Voice: Each academy will elect a player representative to a Junior Panel. 
• Coaching Excellence: Led by passionate GBWR club coaches, supported with CPD and a structured syllabus. 

Launch Details 

The first academy sessions will take place on the weekend of Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October 2025, with initial locations in: 

• North – Galashiels (Coaches: Adam Robson & Aaron Kilpatrick) 
• Midlands – Corby (Coaches: Jamie Higgins & Kascie Higgins) 
• London & South – Reading (Coaches: Sally Sycha & Omar Foster) 
• Wales – Location TBC (Coaches: Byron White & Dominic Evans)  

Following the launch, regular sessions will be held in November, January, and March, leading up to the Junior Tournament in February 2026. 

Contact Jamie Higgins to find out more information or register your child jamie.higgins@gbwr.org.uk

Voices from the Community 

Jason Brisbane, GBWR CEO, said: 

“This partnership with Wooden Spoon is a powerful step forward in our mission to grow the sport from the ground up. Junior athletes deserve a space where they can thrive, connect, and dream big. These academies will be the launchpad for future Paralympians and community leaders.” 

Sarah Webb, Wooden Spoon CEO, said: 

“Every child deserves the joy, confidence, and sense of belonging that sport brings. That’s why this partnership is so important,  it opens the door for more young people to discover wheelchair rugby, to fulfil their dream of representing their country at the Paralympics, and to build lifelong friendships along the way. Together, we’re not just creating opportunities to play; we’re building a future where every child with a disability can see themselves as an athlete”

Jamie Higgins, Junior Programme Development Officer and Midlands Coach, added: 

“These academies will not only provide consistent, high-quality coaching through links with the Talent pathway, but also create a sense of community and competition among young players. We are confident this will lead to increased participation and pave the way for future wheelchair rugby stars.” 

A 9-year-old junior player from the North Academy shared: 

“I can’t wait to play with other kids like me! It’s gonna be so fun making new friends and learning new stuff together.” 

A Shared Mission for Inclusion and Empowerment 

Wooden Spoon has a long-standing commitment to supporting children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage, through the power of rugby. This partnership with GBWR is a natural extension of that mission; creating a dynamic, inclusive, and empowering space for young people with disabilities to thrive.