‘Joy and laughter’: the Leicester rugby team for children with Down’s syndrome

Lucie-Ann Towl, eight, during a training session at Leicester Tigers’ Oval Park training ground. Photograph: Fabio De Paola/The Guardian

A rugby team set up for young people with Down’s syndrome has been described as a “lifeline” by parents who say there is a chronic lack of opportunities for their children.

Leicester Tigers launched the team in October last year and now have more than 40 families signed up to their fortnightly training sessions.