Steve McCormack recognised as world leader in player welfare provision

Rugby League Cares head of welfare Steve McCormack has become one of only two sports practitioners in the UK to gain a recognised qualification in player welfare provision.

The former Scotland coach has been awarded a Level 4 Certificate in Elite Athlete Wellbeing from the Wellbeing Science Institute, a qualification which strengthens RL Cares’ commitment to supporting the sport’s playing community.

McCormack said: “I am immensely proud to have acquired Certificate 4 status and would like to thank RL Cares for supporting me throughout the course.

“I first became aware of the qualification a couple of years ago on a fact-finding visit to Australia, where it is has become a minimum standard for player welfare in the NRL and many other sports.

“The course takes a holistic approach to supporting elite athletes, including putting positive relationship programmes in place and examining the biological, physiological, spiritual and cultural needs of athletes.

“I’ll now be filtering down the learnings from the course across the charity and to the dedicated club player welfare managers and sharing best practise, so that we can build on the fantastic work that already takes place in ruby league.”

Listen to The Final Hooter podcast, featuring exclusive interviews, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on Apple Podcasts.