RFL

Club History

Newton-le-Willows has predominantly been a football and rugby union dominated town and the very existence of a rugby league club in this area provides a much needed avenue for local juniors to experience "the greatest game" - playing for their home town team. Newton-le-Willows ARLFC (Newton Storm) was formed in January 2002.

The Club was established with the barest of finances or equipment and no facilities. What they did have, however, was 20 children aged between 8 and 13 who wanted to play rugby league and parents who were willing to help them. Newton-le-Willows has always had a great affinity with Rugby League where players such as Mike Bennett, Steve Hampson, Mike Forshaw and Dave Cotton are amongst the many professionals to have hailed from the town.

Both of the town’s high schools have played the game for many years but unfortunately any child who wished to play club rugby was forced to travel to one of the adjoining towns to play the game. Since formation, the Club has grown from one qualified coach to a team of ten. All are qualified to Moderated Games or Club Coach level and have been on Child Protection Courses, and all have had a CRB check undertaken by BARLA. We have a qualified First Aider at each age group.

Storm President Appointed

Mike Bennett

In April 2009, Newton Storm appointed former St Helens second-row forward Mike Bennett as President of the Club. Having always lived in Newton-le-Willows, Mike had no avenue locally to play amateur rugby league so as a junior travelled to near neighbours Golborne Parkside before signing for Saints in August 1995. He made his first team debut against Wigan Warriors in 2000 and since then made 160 appearances before retiring prematurely last year due to a shoulder injury.

Storm Chairman Paul Eden said "We are delighted to have such a well respected ex-professional player on board as the President of Newton Storm. Mike has provided an incredible amount of support behind the scenes at the club for a number of years and we are pleased to be able to recognise that support in a more formal way. He still has fantastic links with the professional game and we are sure that this appointment will continue to help us build an even stronger Rugby League club which serves the community of Newton-le-Willows and surrounding areas."

In response to the appointment, Mike Bennett said "I am honoured by the invitation to become President of Newton Storm and fully intend to support the club in any way I can. The work that the club does, particularly in local schools, to encourage children into the game is incredible. Despite its close vicinity to a number of professional RL clubs, Newton has always been predominantly a football and rugby union hotbed so to see Newton Storm thriving like this is fantastic."

Clubmark Status

The club are delighted to have received the "Clubmark" status from Sport England which was presented to our Chairman at St Helens RLFC in 2004. This is a tremendous achievement considering the club have only been established since 2002.

What is Clubmark?

It is a cross-sport national quality accreditation scheme for sports clubs working with children and young people.

Benefits for Parents/Guardians?

Clubmark is an easy way for parents/guardians to identify quality clubs for their children that have:

  1. an active junior section
  2. specialist children/young people sports coaches
  3. a full understanding of child protection issues that implement best practice in this respect
  4. an inclusive and equitable approach to all children and young people and a quality programme that will give their children a quality experience

Benefits for children/young people?

A focus on their participation, a quality sports experience in the club in competition, in training and coaching, a safe, friendly environment where people understand how to meet their needs and increased motivation and self confidence.

Child Protection Policy

To devise and implement a save working practice and environment for both coaches and volunteers working with young people. Newton-le-Willows ARLFC (Newton Storm), in conjunction with the Rugby Football League and Social Services, want to make sure that all young players (under 18), are protected and kept safe whilst they are in the care of officials representing this club. This will be achieved by: