WIDNES
WIDNES
Based on Heath Road in Cheshire, Widnes RUFC currently competes in the North One West
League. They are led by the team of Chairman Ged Snee and President Dave Robertson and
the club is looking to progress under their guidance.
Having first been established in 1924,
the club has put together a history of
which they have every right to be proud.
They have developed tremendously well
and were even able to turn out as many
as 7 senior sides in the late 60’s and
early 70’s. At that time they also had 3
players in Jimmy O’Neil, Dave Balmer
and Ronnie Clarke that represented
England Colts.
In terms of on the field success one
of their biggest victories came when
they won the Lancashire Cup in 1976,
defeating West Park in the final. In the
1987-88 season they managed to win
the Lancashire Trophy making them the
first club to have won both competitions.
Teamwork is name of the game in Halton
Another great summer of sport drew to an exciting conclusion in September, with crowds lining the streets of Runcorn
and Widnes, in the Cheshire borough of Halton, to cheer on the Tour of Britain road race, as the second stage made
its way from neighbouring Knowsley, to Llandudno.
The welcome and enthusiasm of public to the tour demonstrated the importance the community in Halton places on
sport.
Halton Borough Council was instrumental in bringing the tour to the borough and is working hard to increase participation
in sport and physical activity. Cllr Phil Harris is the Council’s Executive Board member for Community and Sport, he
says: “Halton Borough Council knows the important role sport plays in developing a healthy and thriving community.
That is why we set up the Halton Sports Partnership, and are working to inspire local people to get involved in sport
and physical activity by making sure there are opportunities for all; that the right facilities are in place; and that quality
coaches and support is in place to help those with talent to reach their full potential - from grassroots to excellence.
The Halton Sports Partnership, established in July 2002, was an initiative of Halton Borough Council. It brings together
clubs and volunteer representatives from a wide range of sports in Halton to encourage the promotion of sport and
development of the sporting population of Halton.
Cllr Rob Polhill, Leader of Halton Borough Council, is a big supporter of the work of the partnership saying:
Clubs and volunteers, who work at the heart of the community, are so important to us in Halton. They give youngsters
their first experiences of sport and instil values like teamwork, focus, discipline and working hard to achieve success
– lessons that are important not just for sport but for life in general. The partnership the Council has with these clubs
and with volunteers is second to none. With their involvement, we are improving local facilities, helping to maximise
funding and offering support to coaches. We hope that in years to come our young people go on to achieve their
dreams, sporting or otherwise.
For more information about the work of the Halton Sports Partnership and Halton Borough
Council’s sports development team visit www.haltonsportspartnership.org.uk
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