Supported by Sport England’s Major Event Volunteer Fund, charity Community Integrated Care is set to create a range of opportunities tied into the tournament for people who have care and support needs.

The project is due to run throughout next year and continue in the months following the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from October 23 to November 27 in England, to provide ongoing mentoring and support.

Plans include the recruitment of experts to advise tournament organisers, the creation of school assemblies to educate young people on inclusion and chances to volunteer with the RLWC2021 team.

Participants are also set to have the chance to apply their skills and experience by joining the RLWC2021’s "Power Squad" tournament-time volunteering team.

With roles coordinated by Community Integrated Care, individuals will be able to volunteer alongside their families or support workers, according to RLWC2021.

John Hughes, director of partnerships and communities at Community Integrated Care, said the charity and RLWC2021 had been planning this project for almost two years.

"We are thrilled that with the tournament now one year away, Sport England have generously enabled us to make this dream project a reality," said Hughes.

"Volunteering is an important platform that can enable people to enjoy life-changing experiences, give back and fulfil their potential.

"We are thrilled that these benefits are now even more accessible to people who have support needs.  

"It is an honour for our charity to lead such an exciting, impactful and important programme. 

"We would like to thank the RLWC2021 team for their vision in supporting this world-first project.

"Our enormous gratitude is also extended to our partners at Sport England, who have made this possible.

"Following a very challenging year for many people, we hope that it gives people hope and optimism for a better 2021.

"We cannot wait for the project to begin."

Oliver Thomason has secured employment with Community Integrated Care as its sports inclusion assistant and is joining the RLWC2021 team as the official inclusion ambassador for the tournament.

"These are dream jobs for me," said Thomason, who plays in the Learning Disability Super League for Warrington Wolves.

"I cannot wait to help people to be part of the World Cup and our brilliant projects.

"I am looking forward to making a difference and helping to promote this fantastic tournament."

Tracy Power, social impact director for RLWC2021, thanked Community Integrated Care and Sport England for making the project possible.

"RLWC2021 is a tournament with a purpose and we are committed to making tangible and positive social impact within our host communities and this is another brilliant way of engaging new people into rugby league through the power of the World Cup," said Power.

"To have Oliver on board as an ambassador is extremely exciting, his powerful story perfectly epitomises the values of RLWC2021.

"His infectious energy and passion for the game will make Oliver a fantastic addition to the tournament’s unique inclusivity programme."

Jenny Betteridge, strategic lead for volunteering at Sport England, added: "This investment will provide opportunities for over 250 disabled people to enjoy so many of the benefits we know volunteering can bring, whilst sharing their skills and time.

"It’s a fantastic chance to demonstrate that there are opportunities to volunteer in sport for everyone."

Men's, women's and wheelchair Rugby League World Cups will be played at the same time next year.