History

History


Welcome to Barrow Island ARLFC formed in 1935 and been playing competitive Rugby League ever since.
All at the dub are proud to present this document which will show the commitment and ambition we have for the future of the club and Rugby League within the Furness area.

The club is constituted, affiliated to British Amateur Rugby League Association and has set objectives to foster and promote the Sport of Rugby League at all levels, providing opportunities for recreation and competition.
Over the years the club has laid the foundations, structures.
All at the dub are proud to present this document which will show the commitment and ambition we have for the future of the club and Rugby League within the Furness area.

The club is constituted, affiliated to British Amateur Rugby League Association and has set objectives to foster and promote the Sport of Rugby League at all levels, providing opportunities for recreation and competition.
Over the years the club has laid the foundations, structures and player/coach development that many of its professional counterparts would be proud of.

During the past twelve months the club has been taking part in Clubmark a Safe, Effective and Child Friendly Scheme run by Sport England in partnership with BARLA and the Rugby Football League and shows that we have the appropriate policies and procedures and personnel in place to achieve this award.

With its home based at Ostley Bank, known as Rating Lane in the Cumbrian town of Barrow-in-Furness, the club has the facilities which comprise of clubhouse, two senior playing fields, a junior playing field and a floodlit training area. These facilities are under review for development to make a more community centred environment with an all-weather pitch and improved clubhouse which can be used by local schools and groups. This development is on hold at present due to drainage work throughout the adjacent residential areas but the club hope that when completed they will be allowed to continue with its plans.

During this six year period Barrow Island also won a treble in the 1984-85 Season winning the Barrow & District League, Knock-out Cup and the Top 4. In 1985-86 the club had a poor season with only a runner-up spot in the Top 4 their reward. In 1986-87 it was back to winning ways with the Barrow & District League Title and runner-up again in the Top 4, this was repeated in the 1987-88 season.

In the 1988-89 season the club joined the National League and finished a creditable 3rd in the new 2nd Division. The 1989-90 season saw the club improve on their third position, when we won the title and were promoted to Division 1 unfortunately this was a short stay as we were to be relegated the following season.
Up against the big boys (Rugby League Challenge Cup)

After the clubs success in winning the Cumbria Cup in the 1988-89 season we were entered into the 1989 Silk Cut Challenge Cup for the first time losing a close game in the Preliminary round against fellow Amateurs Thatto Heath of St Helens. In 1994 we were in the competition again and progressed to the 3rd round, beating Amateur clubs Moorend from Doncaster and Walney Central from Barrow before being drawn against Professional club Hunslet. where for twelve months our dream of glory was ended. In 1995 we were back in the competition and again reached the 3rd round beating two Humberside Amateur Clubs in Norland and West Hull. In round three we were drawn against Professional Club Ryedale York where again our dream was ended.

Treadmill of Dreams

Every Amateur club has a duty in assisting players with the ambition of turning professional. Barrow Island over the years has shown that with dedication, commitment and a proper development structure many players’ dreams have been fulfilled. Up until the eighties only a handful of players had progressed and moved up the grade. But with the success of both the Open Age and Youth teams during this period many players signed on for professional clubs and this has been the norm right up to the present day.