Stoma Helpline We’re here 24 hours a day: 0800 328 4257
Stoma Helpline We’re here 24 hours a day: 0800 328 4257
Team Colostomy UK – Our story so far
In 2018 we formed our own Rugby League Side, Team Colostomy UK, to prove that a stoma is no barrier to playing even -the toughest of contact sports.
Unfortunately due to the pandemic we were unable to play any games in 2020 but hope to be back in 2021.
Here’s the story of our 2018 and 19 seasons.
2018 season
2018 was our debut year. We weren’t sure what to expect but after a successful kit launch hosted by the London Broncos , we played three games all of which exceeded our expectations.
A debut game against Medway whetted the appetite for a further game ‘down south’ against South London Silverbacks, before we ended the year with a touch game against PDRL United at the home of Featherstone Rovers.
vs Medway Dragons – July 21st 2018
vs South London Silverbacks Masters – September 21st 2018
vs PDRL (Physical Disability Rugby League) United – November 10th 2018
2019 season
On Saturday April 20th 2019 we travelled to Gillingham and faced our old friends the Medway Dragons for a now traditional season opener.
That was followed up on June 1st when we hit Lancashire for the first time to face new opponents, a Chorley Panthers select side.
The game was part of an exciting partnership with the Panthers for 2019 which also sees the Colostomy UK logo feature on the Panthers playing strip.
Chorley Panthers Club chairman Alan Bowers said “I am pleased to enter in to this significant partnership which will hopefully raise awareness of Colostomy UK, made even more poignant with our club having players who have played and continue to play overcoming the stigma that might otherwise exist.
Giovanni Cinque from Colostomy UK commented “We are delighted at the growing partnership between ourselves and Chorley Panthers. The support we received from the club through their recent naked calendar not only helped to raise funds but more importantly had a huge impact in raising awareness of both our charity and living with a stoma. We can’t wait for June 1st!”
Our next fixture of 2019 took place on August 17th when we travelled back to Yorkshire to face the Political Animals in Bramley, Leeds. The day was a great success in raising further awareness of our charity and of ‘Living with a stoma’ with a great deal of publicity both before and after the game.
Our final game of 2019 took place on November 9th when we travelled to Hampshire to face Aldershot & Fleet Masters. Another great day on the pitch was had with several more ostomates making their first appearance for the team.
We’ll be back in 2021! If you’d like to play, sponsor or help out in any way please get in touch with Giovanni on 0118 939 1537 or giovanni.cinque@colostomyuk.org
