Dearne Valley Bulldogs Rugby League Club looks to boost numbers

Dearne Valley Bulldogs RLFC caters for four year olds right through to U18s and adults.

Its appeal for new blood for the summer season follows two difficult years in which lockdown hit revenue and numbers.

President Duncan Henderson said: “Cost wise the pandemic was hard, even when we got back up and running.

“We weren't able to do after-match food and drink, which gets you your revenue. It was just like 'play and go'.

“Losing kids was another problem because they get out of the habit of playing.

“Now it’s about getting them off their computer games and things like that and getting them back into the right habits.”

Operating in an area not traditionally strong for rugby league, Bulldogs have to work harder to progress.

Rotherham itself lost its last RL team, Rotherham Roosters, ten years ago.

“There is so much competition from other sports like rugby union, and football is big in South Yorkshire,” said Duncan.

“We are trying to break through that barrier and get more people involved from throughout Rotherham.

“We want to build a bridge with local rugby union clubs so our kids play at Wath, Dinnington Phoenix and Rotherham in the winter and they send their kids to us in summer.

“It has worked well so far. We have meetings set up with the likes of Wath to try and get the bridges even closer so we can give as much as we take.”

Duncan has been involved in rugby league for 25 years and coaches the club's toddlers, Dearne Valley Pups, right up to open age where Bulldogs play in winter and summer leagues.

Anyone interested or with children who might want to try the game is welcome to call Duncan on 07515 891532.