Called Alnwick Bears RLFC, the new club will be supported by the award-winning team behind Cramlington Rockets RLFC, the only other rugby league club in Northumberland.

Influenced by the Northumberland flag, the Bears will wear claret and gold and start with an U8s team in 2018 for children in school years 2 & 3 for the 2017/18 academic year.

Answering demand

The club is being formed in response to tremendous demand for rugby league in the North Northumberland town.

Earlier this year, thanks to the work of Cramlington Rockets’ community team 150 children from seven local schools took part in Alnwick’s first ever rugby league competition, the result of extensive development work in the area over the last two years.

“It’s a natural step to continue to grow our game” said founder and Rockets Community Manager, Steve Beaty. “We have loads of kids playing rugby league every week in school and when we hold camps in the school holidays that are always really popular, but that’s all that’s on offer at the moment. Alnwick Bears is the answer.”

Award-winning support team

The Rockets are recognised as one of the UK’s leading clubs and shortlisted for National Club of the Year in 2016. A friendly family-focused club, their meteoric rise has been thanks to their dedication to innovation and a community engagement strategy centred upon its popular self-funded community team.

Jeff Ball, Chairman of Cramlington Rockets and the RFL National Volunteer of the Year in 2015 is also part of the team helping set up the club and keen to pass on the best guidance learnt at the Rockets.

“It’s an exciting project to be a part of and we already have a number of people keen to be involved, either as coaches, volunteers or sponsors. We have learnt a lot in these past few years and our aim is to give the Bears a solid footing that allows it to grow and evolve into its own club.

We do not want to make it ‘Rockets mark.2’. Alnwick is 30 miles from Cramlington and has its own character and that is what we want that to come out. We are already looking forward to some Northumberland derbies in years to come.”

The journey so far

A lot of the hard work in the last two years in Alnwick has been carried out by the Rockets’ Head Community Coach, Danny Gilroy. A hugely popular figure where ever he goes, his enthusiasm is infectious and is a master at getting kids interested in sport.

“I love coming to Alnwick as everyone is incredibly friendly and enthusiastic. There is also a huge talent waiting to be tapped in to. We have three or four lads who travel to Cramlington every week that are very good players and of course there is Jake Woods.”

Woods is an Alnwick local who can currently be found playing his trade for professional side, Newcastle Thunder’s U19s and has also played for England Youth in recent years.

With the work of Gilroy and Beaty recognised by numerous regional awards in recent years, which led to both being invited to Wembley as guests of honour at rugby league’s flagship Challenge Cup Final, the Bears are in good hands.

What's in a name

Explaining the new club name, the team did not have to look far for inspiration. “Danny’s nickname is actually Bear” laughs Beaty. “If you see him, you’ll understand. He’s big and cuddly with a grizzly beard. I don’t think any kids actually know his real name.

Given the work he’s done to bring rugby league to Alnwick, it is a fitting tribute. We also thought Alnwick Bears reflects the values we want the club to have. Powerful and ferocious in battle but also with a strong family-focus. It will be a really welcoming positive environment and we cannot wait to get started.”

How to get involved

The Bears are intending to start training in February. If you are interested in getting involved with the Bears as a volunteer, player, coach or sponsor contact Steve Beaty on 07984630083 or Steve.Beaty@cramlingtonrockets.co.uk.

Follow the Bears on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest developments.

Full information can be found on its website http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/alnwickbearsrlfc