The Leeds Rhinos Foundation are this year featuring a Community Club of the week following the weekend home fixtures and this week’s club in the spotlight is one of our community clubs Wetherby Bulldogs.
The Wetherby Bulldogs Rugby League Club was formed in 1983 by a nucleus of players from the disbanded Thorp Arch Club.
They played their first season in the York and District Sunday League Division 2. After 4 years of steady progress, Bulldogs won the League Cup, The York and District Cup and the Invitation Cup in 1987. Nine of the team that season were selected to represent the York and District Area.
In 1993 Wetherby won the Yorkshire and District Invitation Cup but failed to win any more silverware or promotion until 1996 when Wetherby went from strength to strength winning the Division 4 league and narrowly losing in the final of the Frank Bowers Cup.
The 1997/98 season proved to be the most successful to date. Wetherby were now in the Yorkshire League Division 2 after jumping two leagues. Wetherby won the league without losing a game and also went on to win the top four play off and the White Rose Cup, all the finals being played at Post Office Road, Featherstone.
Moving to their new home at Wetherby Sports Association, based on The Ings in Wetherby seemed to put paid to further success with a sad period of no Open Age representation at any level, however the Junior sides were going from strength to strength.
Over the last 10 years Bulldogs have struggled to maintain the transition from youth to Open Age, being a victim of their own success. Situated on the very fringe of the rugby league heartlands means attracting young players and coaches is difficult and retaining them even more so. A succession of youth signings to professional clubs meant the Under 16’s and upwards were poorly represented in the Leagues until this year. The current under 17’s squad is a blend of 16 and 17 year old lads, most of whom have played together at Bulldogs since they were just 7 years old! Testament to the quality coaching, parental encouragement and support and the family feel of the Club.
This season Bulldogs have squads at Under 9, Under 11, Under 12 and Under 17 – with more coach volunteers this could easily be expanded and fill the gaps. Could you be the next coach to bring on the likes of Alex Foster? Could YOU be our next Fozzy? Get in touch with Club Secretary, Vicky Peel on 07736 147479.