THE STORY SO FAR...
The Club has been around for over 150 years!
That's a heck of a long time!
What wild and wonderful tales could we tell you
from our rich history?
From golden years in the 1930s, with Yorkshire Cup wins, to Challenge Cup finals at Wembley, and even wins over Australia and New Zealand touring teams - plus dozens of players representing Great Britain
- we've sure seen some wild times!
COMMUNITY
York RLFC’s roots are a part of the fabric of Rugby League, York & Yorkshire and at the heartbeat of the community. As a Club we have a focus on community support and interaction. The combined resources of the Club and Foundation we have implemented and provided active programs to over 60,000 kids aged under 18 not just within York’s city limits but further a crest to Harrogate, Selby, Pocklington, Malton & east to Scarborough through schools, community clubs and social support groups.
We believe that the future of our community lays in the hands of the kids that we encounter and that the lessons and habits that sports provide at that age helps set people up for all that life throws at us. Physical heath is an obvious benefit, but the ability to interact and build social skills at a young age is increasingly important on the back of lockdowns that impacted development at a crucial age.
On the back of obvious downturn in mental health in the UK we have partnered with Menfulness who provide free support, events and advice for Men struggling with challenges of all natures. Menfullness has also provided valuable support for players and staff at the Club dealing with loss, grief and the challenges that come with living in the public eye.
We are proud to be a donor and partner to a number of other local charities including but not limited to Kyra’s Women’s community, support and safe places, Relay for Life, The Yorkshire Big Curry Lunch and St Leonard’s hospice to name a few. We also fund and support Uganadan Rugby League’s development and this is a hands on approach with members of the Womens team traveling to help set up the facilities, coach and supply kids with clothing and essentials to bring positive community influence.
TRAILBLAZINg
The York RLFC Valkyrie are the first paid
Women’s Rugby League team.
We are also the first to be given an
independent identity with a female icon.
The team is currently unbeaten in the
Super League and looking to retain the
League leaders shield
and go 1 step further to win the
Super League Grand Final.
DISABILITY AND DIVERSITY
York RLFC are at the forefront of Rugby League when it comes to driving the game forward in new areas of participation and growth. The LDRL (Learning disability) Team has been active for years and following the success of England winning the RLWC Wheelchair Final. We now have a successful Wheelchair team that is competing across the country. Our Rise development program is now the Rugby League benchmark driving the women’s game forward with over 60 players aged 11 – 19 currently completing and winning against the biggest Clubs in the UK. This program is the first of it’s kind in the UK and is bringing talent through a system focused on professional development.