A new home for wheelchair rugby competition in Great Britain
Wheelchair rugby will have a new home from September as Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) confirms Arena Sports at Kettering Leisure Village as its official competition venue.
Located in the heart of the Midlands, Kettering Arena will host regular domestic competition throughout the season, providing a central location for players, clubs, officials and supporters from across the country.
The move creates a consistent home for wheelchair rugby competition, helping to improve accessibility while enhancing the event experience both on and off the court.
The first major event at the venue will be the Wheelchair Rugby Fives National Championships in October, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the sport.
Creating a Home for Competition
For years, wheelchair rugby competitions have been hosted at venues around the country. Establishing Kettering Arena as a central competition hub provides greater consistency for clubs and creates a venue that players, officials and supporters can call home.
The venue has been selected for its accessibility, facilities and central location, making it easier for teams to travel while providing a high-quality environment for competition.
As the home venue for domestic competition, Kettering Arena will play a key role in supporting the continued growth of wheelchair rugby across Great Britain.
Growing the Sport Beyond the Court
The partnership is about more than hosting competitions.
GBWR and Arena Sports are committed to creating opportunities for more people to discover wheelchair rugby and become involved in the sport. By building relationships with local organisations, education providers, healthcare services and businesses, the partnership aims to increase awareness of wheelchair rugby and strengthen connections within the local community.
These efforts will help create more opportunities for people with permanent physical disabilities to find and enjoy wheelchair rugby, whether as players, volunteers, officials or supporters.
A Shared Commitment to Wheelchair Rugby
Joe Mahon, Arena Sports Manager at Kettering Arena, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby to Arena Sports at Kettering Leisure Village and to establish the venue as a home for the sport’s leagues and competitions. Wheelchair rugby is one of the most exciting and inclusive sports in the country, and we’re proud to be providing a venue where athletes, clubs, officials and supporters can come together to compete at the highest level.
“This partnership is a fantastic opportunity for Kettering to host major wheelchair rugby events and showcase the sport to new audiences. We see Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby as a key partner and look forward to working closely together to deliver outstanding competition experiences and support the continued growth of the sport.
“We’re excited about what the future holds and are proud that Arena Sports will play an important role in the wheelchair rugby calendar for years to come.”
Looking Ahead
With league fixtures beginning in September and the Wheelchair Rugby Fives National Championships arriving in October, players and supporters will soon experience the new home of wheelchair rugby competition.
The partnership provides a strong foundation for future growth, creating a venue where the sport can thrive, clubs can connect, and communities can discover everything wheelchair rugby has to offer.
I Want to get involved?
Whether you’re looking to play, volunteer, officiate or support your local club, there’s a place for you in wheelchair rugby.
Find your nearest club and discover how you can get involved today.
Email: iwanttoplay@gbwr.org.uk
