Leopards coach wins national award after setting up disability team

A former coach at Wigan Warriors' learning disability team, Scott Burns made the switch to launch Leigh's first team three years ago.

With players with a physical or learning disability given the opportunity to represent Leigh, the team has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and now accommodate more than 30 players.

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Scott brought learning and physical disability teams to Leigh (Image: Scott Burns)
Following the success of Leigh's disability teams, and the fact that Scott has made the game accessible to everyone across the borough, won the Sporting Chance Award at the Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards in Birmingham last month.

With Scott and the Leopards the only nominee from rugby league, it was a proud moment for him and the club.

Scott said he was 'very proud' to represent Leigh and win the award (Image: Scott Burns)
Speaking about the award and the team, Scott said: "I'm honoured to be honest, because this was a big national awards ceremony, and we were the only representatives of rugby league.

"It was a black tie but I wore my leopard print shoes and tie, so I got talking to everyone about Leigh and the Challenge Cup success last year.

"It was good enough just to be nominated and recognised, but to win and represent a little town like Leigh was an honour so I'm very proud."

Scott said the disability players are treated like superstars at the club (Image: Scott Burns)
While the teams give people with a disability the opportunity to get involved in rugby, Scott said that the Leopards have been "fantastic" with the players and made them "feel like superstars".

In addition to getting to play at Leigh Sports Village before Leopards games, the players have also been given heritage numbers, just as the men's first team do, to integrate them and make them a part of the club's history.