East Leeds Amateur Rugby League & East Leeds Community Sports Club
By John Wheelhouse, East Leeds Magazine, October 2010
East Leeds Amateur Rugby League Club began 30 years ago based at East Leeds WMC on Easy Road. During this time the rugby club grew from two junior teams to the current playing strength of 14 teams ranging in ages from under-7's to open age, and more recently, masters - ex players over 35. Players such as Leroy Rivett, Richie Mathers and Danny McGuire have come from the club and more recently Chris Clarkson.
Founded by Glen Davies and Rod Keeligan, East Leeds ARLC began life in 1979 as an under-11’s team. They were called the Black Dog Pups, after the pub where meetings were held.
The next season, as the boys moved up an age level another team was formed and they were invited to move to East Leeds WMC. In the early days, the lads had to get changed in the concert room and they had to be quick about it before the ladies came for their afternoon bingo session!
This went on for 3 years before enough money was raised to build changing facilities behind the club. A common theme with the club is the willingness of the players and members alike to get their hands dirty. As a result of this, changing rooms have been extended over time, training lights have been erected, as have barriers round the pitch.
The club has almost sixty lads and lasses who have made it professionally and also gained district, county and international selection. But nice as it is for those who turn pro, East Leeds is really about the many who are happy to play their rugby at club level, and to date they have nearly 300 registered players. They’ve had their successes in the amateur game, winning many district cups at all ages as well as county and national level. Past and present coaches include many ex players from the club and some from the pro game who have come back to the club. The success over the years is due to these lads and many people who have put in a lot of hard work on and off the field to make the club what it is today, echoing their motto - ‘Where there’s a Will there’s a Way.’
However, in the past few years they’ve needed all their reserves of strength, resolve and will just to keep the club's name on the map, and teams on the pitch.
The WMC fell into decline and eventually, despite offers of help from the rugby club, closed its doors in January 2009. Because the utilities and changing facilities were supplied through the WMC, it meant East Leeds ARLFC lost their home.
They maintained a presence at Easy Road as they continued to train there but had to start playing at Fearnville at some cost. Things started to look up when they were taken in by Harehills Liberal Club, but it just wasn’t home, they had all the facilities on Easy Road and a team began to work tirelessly behind the scenes to get them back there.
Between the summer of 2009 and the beginning of this year, and With the help of main club sponsor Skelton Skip Hire, a loan through the Charity Bank, Grant Scape and Leeds Community Foundation, East Leeds Community Sports Club was born.
The club took possesion of the building in April 2010. An army of volunteers descended upon it and began the long process of renovation. Walls were removed, floors were renovated, and some were replaced. Toilets were repaired, a disabled toilet was installed, carpets were laid, walls were painted and roofs were repaired.
In mid-May, the upstairs function room was made ready for opening. The first presentation night took place. Everybody was proud to be back home, and then to cap a truly momentous evening, the Yorkshire League open age team returned triumphantly from their Division 3 play-off final.
On 17 July 2010, the great day arrived. The Grand Opening took place with hundreds of people coming to look at what had been achieved. Membership forms were taken and nearly 300 people were made members in the first few weeks, with another 200 with application forms filled-in. The function room is available to hire through members, it’s already home to Weight Watchers, Richmond Hill Elderly Action Group and Salsa Classes.
Staff from East Leeds Community Sports Club
And it’s upwards and onwards also for East Leeds ARLFC, a reward for the hours of unpaid work so many have contributed. Or maybe not, Whilst all the hard work to secure the premises and the future of the Rugby club was going on, the club management became aware of Leeds City Council Education Department's intentions to upgrade the Richmond Hill Primary school. The plans though, would mean that East Leeds ARLFC would have to give up the pitch it has played on for the past 30 years to make way for the school. So, from one battle to another. Whilst the Community Sports Club and Rugby club welcome the idea of a bigger and better school in the area, the idea of it being on the playing field has not been received well at all.
The club are raising objections to the build. Anyone who wishes to support the objection can do by going to the following website and filling in the on-line form. http://www.leeds.gov.uk Planning Application No :10/03637/LA. Click on comment and register your concern.
The Rugby club are always on the look out for players, coaches and volunteers. They cater for all ages, The ’Cubs’ which are 3 to 6 year olds meet on Saturday mornings for an hours fun, whilst for the over 35’s, there is a Masters team. This is a fast growing area of RL with players of yesteryear getting back together to blow off some cobwebs.
The fact the Rugby Club are presently playing out of their Easy Road HQ is a testament to their members in trying to build a true community club which extends further than playing rugby. In much the same way as Bethlehem Boxing Club, it seems East Leeds Community Sports Club are prepared to invest in the youth and community of this area and deserve our praise and support for doing this.
Share
