“Wheelchair Rugby Player Secures Funding to Launch Groundbreaking Project Aimed at Revolutionizing the Sport in the UK”
On Monday 14 April, 2025, trailblazing wheelchair rugby player and disability advocate Jessica Booth announced the launch of a groundbreaking new project that aims to transform the face of Wheelchair Rugby League in the UK.
Having represented Wales in the sport and served as a decorated ambassador for inclusivity, Jess is now setting their sights on creating the first youth-led Wheelchair Rugby League team. Their initiative, known as Project Wheels, seeks to revolutionize the traditional model of sports team management by placing power in the hands of players under 25.
“I literally want to change the game! I want to turn Wheelchair Rugby League on its head and give a voice to the youth in this diverse, equitable, and inclusive community,” says Jessica.
Jess is among 100 young changemakers across the UK to receive funding through the Young Gamechangers Fund, a partnership between Co-op Foundation, Co-op, the #iwill Fund, Restless Development, and Global Fund for Children. The fund aims to empower and fund grassroots, youth-led initiatives that address urgent challenges in their communities.
The funding will enable Jessica to purchase specialist sports wheelchairs and equipment, cover registration and insurance costs, and rent training facilities. More importantly, it provides access to expert mentoring and support that will help turn their bold vision into a lasting legacy.
Jess’s motivation for this project stems from personal experience. After losing their mobility while in university, Jessica found hope, confidence, and community through wheelchair rugby. Their involvement in the sport extended beyond the pitch, as Jess also advocated for disability rights on student councils and challenged the status quo in a sport where young voices and diverse perspectives are often overlooked.
Project Wheels will be built on the principles of democracy, inclusion, and empathy. Team decisions, from training plans to mental health support, will be made collectively by its members. While experienced mentors will offer guidance, they will not dominate the culture or direction of the team.
Jess’s work marks a bold step forward in reshaping what leadership, inclusion, and empowerment look like in adaptive sports. This groundbreaking project is distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/, and it is expected to make a significant impact on the world of wheelchair rugby in the UK.
