Printerland and Sale Sharks mark World Down Syndrome Day 2023
Printerland in partnership with Sale Sharks saw Sharks’ Down Syndrome team lead out the players ahead of Sale’s clash with Saracens.
The game took place just before World Down Syndrome Day 2023, and to mark the occasion, both sides wore odd socks to celebrate the ‘Lots of Socks’ campaign.
The campaign was launched to raise public awareness about Down syndrome and the sock motif was chosen to highlight the fact that people with the syndrome have an extra copy of the 21st chromosome which is sock shaped.
The Sharks Crusaders Fin Club was launched in 2020 and named in recognition of Sean Browne, who played for the team until his death in 2022. The name comes from Sean’s favourite team, which was the New Zealand Super Rugby side, the Crusaders.
The Sharks Crusaders Fin Club holds rugby sessions every other Sunday at Sharks’ Carrington training ground. To learn more about Sale Sharks’ Fin Crusaders Club, visit Disability & Inclusive Tag Rugby | Sale Sharks.
The Sharks Fin Crusaders Club players’ families were there to see the game with tickets donated courtesy of Printerland.
Sale Sharks Brand and Community Manager and Women’s player Vicky Irwin said: “This was our third year of wearing odd socks in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day.
“Our ethos as a club is being much more than rugby, and we have the world’s first Down syndrome rugby team, which is growing year on year. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to play rugby and we are leading the way on this.
“The Sharks Crusaders Fin Club are part of our club DNA, and we will continue to raise awareness and support the community through internal club activities.
“Programmes like this need the support of partners like Printerland. Their commitment to growing the game and making sure everyone has the chance to get involved is perfectly aligned to what we’re trying to do.”
Printerland MD Graham Vickers said, “This game was a fantastic platform to raise awareness about Down syndrome. It’s an honour to be able to donate these tickets to the children and their families. Everyone involved has gone above and beyond to highlight the condition.“
The donation was made as part of an ongoing inclusivity programme in partnership with Sale Sharks and Printerland. The commitment has seen Printerland donate more than 10,000 matchday tickets to local charities in recent years and aims to introduce the game of rugby to underrepresented groups in the Northwest.
Droylsden Group Enjoy Introduction to Rugby Courtesy of Printerland
20 members of Droylsden Academy enjoyed a rugby training session and will attend a live game thanks to a donation from Printerland in partnership with Sale Sharks Ruby Club.
The group of year 10 girls were coached by Sale Sharks stars Tumy Onasanya and Ben Bamber as part of the ongoing Project Rugby inclusion programme.
Sale Sharks Brand and Community Manager Vicky Irwin said: “We have a responsibility to be so much more than just a rugby club and that means growing the game and introducing people to both the sport and the club.
“Our players are a big part of that, and it was great to see Tumy and Ben throw themselves into the Project Rugby session with the girls at Droylsden.
“The girls loved it and thanks to Printerland they get the chance to see the men’s team in action next week in a really important game against Bath.
“Without the support of partners like Printerland we wouldn’t be able to reach new audiences so we’re really grateful for their continued support.”
“Printerland MD Graham Vickers said, “This was a fantastic learning experience for the girls and hopefully it will spark a lifelong interest in the game of rugby. We’re dedicated to introducing the sport to new audiences and to offer the opportunity for this group to attend the game against Bath is a real pleasure.””
The donation was made as part of an ongoing partnership between Printerland and Sale Sharks which aims to increase participation in the game of rugby within traditionally underrepresented groups.
Printerland Accepts Commemorative Game Plaque
Printerland MD Graham Vickers collected the commemorative game plaque on behalf of Sale Sharks after a dramatic clash with Ulster Rugby Club.
The Saturday face-off which took place in the Kingspan Stadium, Belfast saw Ulster gain a 22-11 victory over Sale Sharks securing them a spot in the Heineken Champions Cup.
Unfortunately, the defeat saw Sale Sharks knocked out of the competition in front of the 15,000 strong crowd.
The commemorative plaque was presented to Graham Vickers by Phillip Gregg the President of Irish Rugby Union, Ulster Branch.
Printerland continues to participate in an ongoing inclusivity programme in partnership with the Sharks Foundation which aims to introduce rugby to new audiences within local communities.
Printerland and Sale Sharks Team Up to Combat the Cost-of-Living Crisis
Printerland in partnership with Sale Sharks and the Blue Light Card organisation have pledged to provide free and discounted match tickets to frontline emergency service workers.
Emergency services members as well as armed forces, social care and NHS workers will be able to enter a ballot for 50 free tickets donated by Printerland for each Sale Sharks home game.
Additionally, all other match tickets will receive a 25 percent discount when purchased with a Blue Light Card, the UK’s leading discount service for emergency services, NHS, social care workers and armed forces.
Sale Sharks Sales and Marketing Director Claire Butters said: “Our emergency services do an incredible job looking after us, keeping us safe, healthy, and supported and going the extra mile for us all every single day.
“We want to be so much more than just a rugby club, so this is our way of giving back and saying thank you to our frontline heroes at a time when we all know the cost of living is increasing all the time.
“Printerland have been an incredible partner for Sale Sharks for a number of years now and they’ve supported so much of the work we’ve done with inclusion and introducing our game to new audiences.
“We’re really grateful to them for supplying the free tickets and we really hope to see as many of our frontline workers as possible down at the AJ Bell Stadium for some of the big Premiership games coming up.”
Printerland MD, Graham Vickers said:’ “To be able to offer this type of support to frontline emergency service workers is a real privilege. Anything that we can do to help ease the burden during the cost-of-living crisis can make a real difference to the men and women who support these vital services.”
This donation was made as part of an ongoing inclusivity programme in partnership with Printerland and Sharks Community Trust.
The inclusivity programme aims to introduce rugby to new and underrepresented audiences within local communities.
So far, Printerland have donated to over 10,000 match-day tickets to local charities and groups.
Sale Sharks Foundation Down Syndrome Rugby Team Enjoy Win Courtesy of Printerland
Members of the Sale Sharks Foundation Down Syndrome rugby team attended Sales Sharks 39-0 win against Ulster courtesy of Printerland.
Teammates from the Down Syndrome rugby team and their family members enjoyed the thrilling game from the Printerland stand and took to the pitch during half time for a group photo.
The event was part of an ongoing partnership between Printerland and Sale Sharks Community Trust to promote inclusivity within local groups and communities.
In the past the Sharks Community Trust and Printerland have also held a series of rugby training sessions as part of a fortnightly Down Syndrome programme.
Graham Vickers MD of Printerland.co.uk said,
“The work that the Sale Sharks Foundation does is incredible, the team are amazing and it’s a pleasure to be able to donate tickets to them.
“Our partnership with the Sale Sharks Foundation continues to introduce the world of Rugby to audiences who haven’t experience a live game before.
“We look forward to welcoming them again in the future.”
Over the years, Printerland have donated more than 10,000 match-day tickets to local charities and groups as part of an ongoing commitment to inclusivity.
Printerland & Sale Sharks Welcome Veterans on Armistice Day
Printerland, in partnership with The Sale Sharks Foundation welcomed more than 50 veterans and current serving military personnel to watch Sale Sharks face-off against Gloucester which saw the Sharks win 27-17.
The tickets, donated by Printerland were donated to the veterans who are members of the Sharks Forces programme which helps to support former service personnel whilst they transition back into civilian life.
Currently serving members of the Royal Lancers attended the match in full uniform, displaying an array of kit and weapons to supporters who attended ahead of the game.
Just before kick-off the Royal Lancers paraded onto the pitch, creating a guard of honour to welcome the players onto the field, whilst the match ball was delivered to the centre spot by Trooper Will Hadden.
Sale Sharks Foundation Mental Wellbeing Manager Eddie Owen, who runs the Sharks Forces programme, said: “Moving from military to civilian life is a huge transition for all who have served in the armed forces.
“This often leads to a minority of service leavers facing a range of social and mental health-related problems. Sharks Forces is about helping to break down these barriers and help veterans live longer, happier lives.
“It was fantastic to welcome so many of the Sharks Forces participants and their families to the AJ Bell Stadium to mark the Armistice. It’s an important moment in the year for us all to focus on what these men and women sacrifice for us.”
Printerland MD, Graham Vickers said:’ “It’s great to mark Armistice Day in this way. The work of the Sharks Forces programme is invaluable for ex-servicemen and to be able to bring them to a game like this is a real pleasure.”
The donation was part of an ongoing inclusivity programme in partnership with Printerland and Sharks Community Trust.
The programme strives to introduce the game of rugby to new and underrepresented audiences within local communities.
In recent years, Printerland have donated over 10,000 match-day tickets to local charities and groups.
Printerland Named Best Online Retailer
Printerland is proud to announce that we have been named Best Online Retailer in the PC Pro Excellence Awards 2022.
PC Pro readers have taken part in a comprehensive three-month survey which found Printerland to be the best online retailer of 2022.
Printerland have beaten online powerhouses including Amazon, Currys/PC World and John Lewis.
This rating was based on a range of criteria including delivery, customer support and satisfaction.
Printerland customer service manager Matthew Ackers said, “It’s fantastic to see our work recognised. It’s been a real team effort and this win motivates us to continue improving our service.”
With over 25 years’ experience, Printerland has grown to be the largest independent reseller of printers and consumables in the UK.
Printerland and Sale Sharks Welcome Brain Tumour Community Group
Printerland.co.uk in partnership with Sale Sharks and Sharks Community Trust, welcomed 40 members of brain tumour community group, R-Kids to attend the Sharks vs Newcastle Falcons fixture at the AJ Bell Stadium.
R-Kids was set up by Clare Finch after her son was diagnosed with an aggressive brain and spinal cancer at the age of eight. Now 15, her son struggles with loneliness and isolation, and finds it difficult to make and maintain friendships due to needing so much time off school.
The R-Kids community group works to support children suffering from brain tumours and their families. Claire hopes the community group will grow into a charity so she can help as many families as possible.
The families enjoyed an exciting 35-27 Sale Sharks win against Newcastle Falcons. For many of the community group members, this was their first experience of a live Premiership Rugby game.
Sharks Community Trust’s Community Manager Vicky Irwin said: “Claire does some incredible work through R-Kids to support families just like hers and it was our pleasure to host them at the AJ Bell Stadium.
“A big part of our work at the Trust is all about introducing rugby to new audiences and most of the group were watching a Sharks game for the very first time. It was a fantastic occasion so hopefully we’ve got some new Sharks for life.
“Work like this wouldn’t be possible without the support of partners like Printerland. With their help we can introduce underrepresented groups to the sport and Sale Sharks to new audiences and offer our support to groups like R-Kids.”
Graham Vickers MD of Printerland.co.uk added,
“R-Kids is an outstanding community group that has proven invaluable for the children and their families.
“To be able to continue to provide the experience of Premiership rugby to new audiences really is great.”
The donation was made as part of an ongoing inclusivity programme in partnership with Sharks Community Trust and Printerland. Over 10,000 match-day tickets have been given away to local charities and groups over the years. The programme works to introduce rugby to new and underrepresented audiences within the local community.
Printerland Invite ChAPS Families to Sharks vs Saracens Game
Printerland.co.uk in collaboration with Sale Sharks and Sharks Community Trust, invited nine families who work with the Cheshire Autism Practical Support Charity to attend the Sharks vs Saracens game on Friday 1st April.
ChAPS (Cheshire Autism Practical Support Charity) are a local non-profit organisation based in Northwich that was started in 2010 by three parents who have children on the spectrum. ChAPS provide services from workshops to social events that support adults and families with children who may have an Autism Spectrum Condition.
The families were treated to an exhilarating match where Sale Sharks rivals Saracens came out on top resulting in an 18-12 win. However, the game was still a thrilling experience for the guests, many of which it was their first time at a live rugby game.
Sharks Community Manager, Vicky Irwin said:
“A big part of our work at the Trust is all about introducing rugby to new audiences and showing that it truly is a sport for all. Inclusion is so important to us, and it was fantastic to see so many families who have been supported by ChAPS to the game.”
“It’s a wonderful charity that offers so much information and practical support to families right across the region. We’re talking to them about delivering some rugby sessions for their families so watch this space.”
“This work wouldn’t be possible without the support of partners like Printerland. With their help we can introduce underrepresented groups to the sport and Sale Sharks to new audiences.”
“This work wouldn’t be possible without the support of partners like Printerland. With their help we can introduce underrepresented groups to the sport and Sale Sharks to new audiences.”
As part of an ongoing inclusivity programme in partnership with Sale Sharks and Sharks Community Trust, Printerland have given away over 10,000 match-day tickets to local charities and groups throughout the years. The goal of the programme is to continue to introduce rugby to new and underrepresented audiences, which is a programme all of us here at Printerland are proud to be a part of.
Printerland and Sale Sharks Mark World Down Syndrome Day
More than 50 members of the Crusaders Fin Club attended the Sale Sharks vs London Wasps game to mark World Down Syndrome Day at the AJ Bell Stadium courtesy of Printerland.co.uk.
During half time, members of the Crusaders Fin Club including players’ friends and family were invited onto the pitch for a group photo in front of the Printerland Stand.
The Crusaders Fin Club was launched by Sharks Community Trust in September 2020 and is a fortnightly programme which includes Trust coaches working with over 40 players per session.
The programme is ran by Sharks Community Trust and was re-named in honour of participant Sean Browne who died suddenly in June 2021.
The Sale Sharks team also sported special warm-up t-shirts and odd socks – one home and one away- to commemorate the day.
Sharks Community Trust’s Community Manager Vicky Irwin said: “The Crusaders Fin Club has been a huge success since it launched in 2020.
“It means so much to everyone at Sale Sharks and Sharks Community Trust because Sean was a such huge part of the club, and it was fantastic to have so many of our Down Syndrome players and their families at the stadium.
“It was also brilliant to see the Sharks team get involved by wearing the t-shirts and odd socks too.
“Everyone loved the experience of going onto the pitch and I hope it inspires even more players to come forward and join the club.
“Printerland is a fantastic partner for the club and the Trust, and they support so much of the work we do in disability rugby.
“Rugby really is a sport for everyone and with Printerland’s support, we can introduce underrepresented groups to the sport and Sale Sharks to new audiences.”
Graham Vickers MD of Printerland.co.uk added,
“The Crusaders Fin Club is a fantastic programme which really benefits all of its members.
“The programme continues to introduce Rugby to a new audience which is something which has to be applauded.
“It’s a pleasure to donate tickets to this group.”
Printerland and Sale Sharks Highlight Children’s Mental Health Week
Almost 300 youngsters from schools that work closely with children’s charity Place2Be attended the 36-12 Sale Sharks win against Worcester Warriors at the AJ Bell Stadium courtesy of Printerland.co.uk.
The donation was made in partnership with Sale Sharks Community Trust to mark the end of Children’s Mental Health Week.
Place2Be are a school-based mental health charity providing support to over 142,000 children and young people.
During half-time, the youngsters took to the pitch for a picture with Sale Sharks star Ben Curry in front of a packed Printerland stand.
“To be able to work so closely with Place2Be and Printerland to bring so many children to what was in many cases, their first game of rugby was fantastic.
“Partnerships like this allow us to grow the game and I have no doubt that the experience of watching such an exciting game, as well as meeting Ben Curry, will stay with these young people for a long time.”
Printerland MD Graham Vickers said,
“The work that Place2Be to support young people in schools has to be commended.
“It’s a privilege to be able to provide this type of activity for the charity and the youngsters that they help.”
Printerland have donated over 10,000 tickets to various charities as part of an ongoing commitment to deliver an inclusivity programme in partnership with the Sharks Community Trust.
Youngsters Enjoy Thrilling Win Thanks to Printerland
More than 20 pupils of St Mary’s R.C Primary School in Swinton enjoyed a live premiership rugby game at AJ Bell Stadium courtesy of Printerland.
The youngsters watched Sale Sharks gripping 35-26 win against Leicester Tigers from the Printerland stand.
Sharks Community Trust’s Community Manager Vicky Irwin said: “So much of our work is about taking rugby to new audiences. We’re committed to growing the game right across the North West and this was the perfect game to show off just how exciting it can be.
“Printerland is a fantastic partner for the club and the Trust and they do so much to support our work in growing the game. With their help we can introduce underrepresented groups to the sport and Sale Sharks to new audiences.”
Graham Vickers MD of Printerland.co.uk added,
“It’s fantastic to be able to introduce young people to the sport of rugby.”
“Rugby is really a family game at heart and can be enjoyed by all ages.”
The game against Leicester was the highlight of the Rugby weekend, and the first in a series of Rugby matches being televised free to air on ITV. At its peak the Sharks' win was watched by over 1 million viewers across ITV and BT Sport channels.
As part of an ongoing inclusivity programme in partnership with Sharks Community Trust, Printerland have donated over 10,000 tickets to communities which may not have had the opportunity to experience live Premiership Rugby.
Walking Rugby League Experience Victory Thanks to Printerland
Over 150 members of the Sharks Community Trust walking rugby programme enjoyed grandstand seating for Sharks’ New Year’s Day face-off against Wasps courtesy of Printerland.
The match, which saw Shark’s triumph over Wasps 26-18 was witnessed by participants of all ages from the Trust’s 17 walking rugby clubs.
Since the first club was launched at Trafford MV RFCC in 2017, the walking rugby programme has become a huge success.
The slower pacing combined with less physical contact allows participants over 50 to safely enjoy the game.
Sharks Community Trust’s Community Manager Vicky Irwin said: “Walking rugby is perfect for so many people and we know from the feedback we get, that it makes a huge difference in people’s lives.
“One player who came to the game told me that they had been hiding away with depression but after joining a walking rugby club six months ago, they feel they have made friends for life.
“It’s been a really popular programme with people of all ages and backgrounds since we launched it in 2017, and it was brilliant to be able to get so many participants together at the Wasps game.,
“Printerland is a fantastic partner for the club and the Trust and they support so much of the work we do in inclusion rugby. Rugby really is a sport for everyone and with Printerland’s support, we’re able to introduce underrepresented groups to the sport and our club to new audiences.”
Graham Vickers MD of Printerland.co.uk added,
“It’s a pleasure to enable members of the walking rugby programme to witness a live match.
“The walking rugby programme has been a tremendous success and has allowed new participants to enjoy the game of rugby.
“To be able to give something back to that community is a real honour.”
In recent years, Printerland.co.uk have donated over 10,000 tickets as part of an ongoing inclusivity programme in partnership with the Sharks Community Trust.
Partington pupils become instant Sale Sharks fans
19 pupils from Forest Gate Academy in Partington have become lifelong Sale Sharks fans after witnessing the Sharks’ Premiership Rugby Cup win against Newcastle Falcons with tickets donated by Printerland.co.uk.
The game at the AJ Bell Stadium marked the first school trip for the 8–11-year-olds since the March 2020 lockdown.
The pupils of Forest Gate Academy are one of 9 North West schools participating in a healthy eating programmed which has been spearheaded by the Sharks Community Trust.
Georgie Perris-Redding, Sharks’ Community Programme Manager, said: “It was fantastic to welcome everyone from Forest Gate down to the AJ Bell.”
“We know a lot of young people have missed out on school trips since the start of the pandemic, so it was great to be able to give everyone a night to remember, thanks to Printerland.”
“Many of them had never been to a live sporting event before, let alone a rugby match, and they’ve all said they’d love to come back! They’ve all said they’re going to be big fans of the club from now on.”
Graham Vickers MD of Printerland.co.uk added,
“It’s fantastic to be able to introduce rugby to these youngsters.”
“This game was a great example of Premiership rugby and an amazing first experience for them.”
“I think we’ve made some fans for life!”
This event was part of an ongoing inclusivity campaign in partnership with Sale Sharks Community Trust. In recent years Printerland.co.uk have donated over 10,000 free tickets to numerous groups which may not have been exposed to the game of rugby.
Printerland Salutes Military Veterans
Over 100 military veterans enjoyed the Premiership clash with Northampton Saints thanks to tickets provided courtesy of Printerland.co.uk to mark Remembrance Day.
As members of the Sharks Community Trust ‘Sharks Forces’ programme, the veterans helped cheers Sale Sharks to a 30-6 victory whilst seated in the Printerland stand.
Launched in 2018, the Sharks Forces programme developed by Sale Sharks Community Trust has helped over 400 military veterans across the Northwest transition from life in the armed forces to civilian life.
Eddie Owen, the Trust’s Mental Wellbeing Coordinator said: “We’re incredibly proud of Sharks Forces and all the work that our coaches do with veterans in the region. But so much of our work wouldn’t be possible without the support of the club and partners such as Printerland.
“Printerland support much of our work in mental health and inclusion and with their support, we’re able to take rugby to different audiences across the region.
“Remembrance Day is a big day for veterans as they remember friends and loved ones who they have lost. It was an absolute honour to welcome them to the AJ Bell Stadium and, thanks to the Sharks supporters, it was a day they’ll never forget.”
Graham Vickers MD of Printerland.co.uk added,
“To be able to supply military veterans with complimentary Premiership rugby tickets is a real honour.
The support that the Sharks Forces programme delivers is amazing, so it’s great to give something back.”
In recent years Printerland have given away over 10,000 match-day tickets to local charities as part of an ongoing commitment to inclusivity.