'They feel a sense of belonging': Amateur rugby league club thriving as it becomes the largest in the country

'They feel a sense of belonging': Amateur rugby league club thriving as it becomes the largest in the country

With incremental improvements, shrewd investments, and an increasing number of players, a team formed almost 50 years ago has grown to become the largest amateur rugby league club in the country.

Starting out with one under 13s team back in 1978, Leigh Miners Rangers is almost unrecognisable from its humble beginnings, with the club now boasting almost 600 players across 27 teams and becoming a recipient of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024.

With two teams in each age group from under 7s to under 16s, as well as several girls teams, a major factor in the club’s rise has been the installation of an all-weather 4G pitch back in 2022, funded by Sport England and the Rugby League World Cup Legacy Fund, as well as contributions from Wigan Council and the club itself.

Speaking about the club’s investment and growth, treasurer Paul Blackburn said: “We had felt for a while that we needed to improve the pitch and our facilities, and thankfully with the Sport England funding, council contributions, and our own resources, we were able to make that happen.

“Now we have a high-quality facility in a safe, enclosed environment that is full four to five nights a week. Not only has this has helped us to facilitate training twice a week, where the lads and girls improve their skills and wellbeing, it has also made us much more of an attractive club for others who may be looking for a club to join.”

With the almost £1m investment certainly helping the club to expand in recent years, co-chairman Mark Dyer emphasised that this growth has only been achievable due to the foundations laid by countless volunteers over many years.

From the players, coaches, and committee members, to all of those chipping in to cut the grass, serve food, or deliver first aid, the co-chairman said this has helped to build a real community spirit at the Manchester Road club, which continues to grow as former players return to coach, watch games, or assist in any way they can.

“There are strong bonds here, definitely. You see the same faces all the time and it is like a real community”, Mark said.

“Everything we do here is 100 per cent volunteer led and community focussed, but without all of these boots on the ground, we wouldn’t be where we are now.

“We have a place where the kids feel a sense of belonging and receive great feedback, but we want to do even more to expand and accommodate more players with even safer, even better facilities.”

With a pathway to the Miners’ under 18s and open age teams frequently taken by players once they leave school, this expansion is planned to ensure that the club can continue providing high-quality development and accommodate growing demand.

Dependent on further funding, the expansion will also help the club to build on its status as the country’s largest amateur rugby league club, and the prestigious King’s Award, to provide support and opportunities to increasing numbers of young people.

Deputy Leader of Wigan Council and ward member for Leigh Central and Higher Folds, Councillor Keith Cunliffe, added: “Becoming the largest amateur rugby club in the country is an extraordinary achievement, and it reflects the passion, dedication, and community spirit that this club brings to our borough.

“Their success is not just about numbers - it’s about creating opportunities for people of all ages to get active, build confidence, and be a part of something special.

“I’m incredibly proud that the council has been able to support Leigh Miners Rangers along their incredible journey, and I’m excited to see how they will continue to inspire future generations.”