Clubs > Sowerby Spartans > Roger Schofield

Roger Schofield

There is no doubt that Roger Schofield was Mr. Sowerby Spartans.

His large frame was omnipresent in all that the Spartans did and was one of the real Gentlemen of the Halifax Rugby League scene. Born in Sowerby Bridge, spent five years of his working life in the Royal Navy.

Gary Ellis who played for many seasons at Stainland Stags and Greetland All Rounders and thorn in the side of many teams in Halifax said simply:

“Roger Schofield was one of the nicest guys that I ever met.”

Roger started his Rugby League career at Siddal and spent some time at Keighley in the professional ranks. He was a team manager at Siddal when he was approached by the lads at Sowerby to advise on set up a Rugby League team there. He was asked to coach the team which he agreed to do.

Former player and coach, Andy Law, said at the 2013 Spartans reunion,

“Big Roger was the mainstay of the club”

Roger was there at training and games and his voice could be heard for miles. He loved the game of Rugby League.

The same could also be said of wife, Brenda, who was there behind the scenes and was secretary for both 1st and “A” teams for many seasons.

Sadly, Roger passed away in 2001 when he was Chairman of the Sowerby Spartans club.