The History of Halifax & District Amateur Rugby League tells the story of the sport which has been a part of the social fabric of Calderdale from the origins of rugby in the 1870’s , through the advent of the Northern Union in 1895 through to the present day.
The Calderdale Community Coaching Trust realised that many teams had long since disappeared in all but a few dusty memories and that others had survived to the present day, all due to the efforts of fantastic volunteers.
Our project, which has been supported by The Heritage Lottery Fund, tells the story of our community game from local clubs, schools Rugby League, referees and supporters through good times and not so good times.
We look at clubs as individual entities with interviews with people who were there or who remember others who were there before them creating an intergenerational link from the past to the present day, telling stories of granddads, and great granddads who played to the grand children playing today.
Rugby League is a community game and all clubs have played their part in a remarkable story of local leagues and cup competitions to success on the national stage.
We believe the story will give people an increased sense of belonging and "ownership" of the game and their clubs.
For those involved in creating and delivering the project on behalf of Calderdale Community Coaching Trust it has been “a labour of love” and to those who have given their time to record interviews telling their memories and building a picture of their club and other clubs, to those who loaned fantastic memorabilia, discovered old trophies etc. we are extremely grateful.
The story of the History of Halifax & District Amateur Rugby League can now be kept alive for new generations to celebrate.