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History Of Milford ARLFC

Milford were formed in 1967 from the former Milford WMC in the Kirkstall area of Leeds and started playing in the Leeds and District Sunday League. After enjoying huge success in this League it was decided to move to the more challenging Saturday League. This again saw Milford enjoy a very successful period. In 1973 we took over the disbanded Leeds Supporters Youth teams and the U18s went on to win our first major honours winning both the National and County Cups, it was the nucleus of this team that took us to greater glory. Over the next few seasons we again moved into higher competition and progressed into the Yorkshire Premier League. The 1977/78 season saw us reach the coveted National Cup Final against Leigh MW and in a hard fought game we came out worthy winners 22 – 13. 1980 saw the formation of another Open Age team an U17s and U13s teams. We won the Yorkshire Cup in 1980/81against Siddal with a 21 – 11 score line. 1981/82 season saw us back in the National Cup Final but this time lost to the mighty Pilkington’s side 19 – 2. In 1986 Milford were invited to join the National League and became founder members of what is the Flagship of Amateur Rugby League and in the second season we were crowned First Division Champions (which is now the Premier Division) and also reached the National League Challenge Cup Final against Leigh MW this time going down 15 - 0. We have faced Professional opponents three times, Dewsbury 1978/79, Swinton 1988/89, and York 2001/02. Milford have worked very hard over the years through their dedicated coaching staff recruiting junior players and now boast teams at every age group from U8s to U15s in the Junior Section, U16s/17s/18s in the Youth Section and two Open Age teams, supplying over 50 players to the Professional game.

Honours for the Youth section U18s 1973/4 winners National Youth Cup and Yorkshire Youth Cup. 1988/9 runners up Yorkshire Youth Cup. U16s 1999/2000 National YL Premier Div Champions.

Since taking over our club premises in 1984 we have outgrown the 4 dressing rooms we had put on the club in 1985 and in 1994 decided to apply to the National Lottery for a grant to improve the clubhouse and increase the amount of dressing rooms to 8 to accommodate all our teams. It took eight long years of hard fought battling with the Lottery people and as our motto says "never say die" we never gave in and were rewarded in 2002 with an award of £852.194.00 which has given us a new lease of life. Our new complex has eight dressing rooms a fitness centre that allows 20 players to train together in, an all weather pitch and disabled facilities on both floors. We also became the first club in Leeds to attain the Sport England "Club mark".

This year we celebrate our 40th Anniversary and we are very proud of what we have achieved over those years and with the help of our dedicated Committees will continue to strive to stay at the top level of Amateur Rugby for many years to come.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR TEAMS FOR THE COMING SEASON

MILFORD MARLINS "NEVER SAY DIE"