Blackbrook ARLFC
| Club information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Blackbrook Amateur and Junior Rugby League Football Club |
| Nickname(s) | Brook, Royals |
| Website | Official Club Website |
| Colours | Black and white (Youth and Open Age) Royal and navy blue (Royals) |
| Founded | 1940 |
| Current details | |
| Ground(s) |
|
| Competition | National Conference League Division One |
| Records | |
| Lancashire Cup | 3 (1986–87, 2005–06, 2006–07) |
Blackbrook Amateur and Junior Rugby League Football Club are an amateur rugby league club based at Blackbrook Sports and Recreational Club in Boardmans Lane, Blackbrook, St Helens, Merseyside. The first team plays in the National Conference League 1st Division, whilst the junior section of the club; the Royals, play in the North West Counties Junior Rugby Leagues for ages 12 and up. The club form the basis of the careers of many St Helens RLFC, Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors and in recent years especially, Salford City Reds players, thanks to their highly successful reputation at all ages through to Open Age rugby.
The club was founded circa—1940, and played in the North West Counties League. In the early stages of Blackbrook's existence, they were almost exclusively and adults club, with only a handful of teens playing at the club, and even then, they were classed part of one of the open age teams. That was, however, until 1975, when a group of parents got together to form an exclusive youth and junior section of the club.
In 1975, a group of parents got together with the idea of forming a section of the club that was open to children and youths individually. The main idea was to provide something for children to do once school had finished, via the medium of sport; specifically, rugby league. Initially, the age groups were mixed, but gradually, the club has seen 11 age groups form, from ages 6–18. Success has come to the club since the formation of the Royals, with many age groups enjoying success through the regional leagues and cups (both the Lancashire Junior and North West Counties Cups) as well as the National Youth Cup. There are now around 200 youngsters playing at the club. However, perhaps a greater pride taken by the club is the number of youths who go on to play professionally. Notable examples of players who turned professional with St Helens via the club include Man of Steel Award winners Paul Wellens, James Roby and James Graham and Paul Clough. Also, many of the names in St Helens' Academy sides are Blackbrook juniors. Perhaps the prime example of a player who signed for Warrington from the club is Brian Case, whilst Kevin Brown signed for Wigan from the Royals. Additionally, the club prides itself on allowing children to play the game under its registered coaches regardless of ability or disability, race and background.
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