Our History
The story of Westhoughton Lions ARLFC since 1997
The Beginning
In 1997, Chris Gregory founded the Westhoughton Lions, starting with an Under 8s team. Despite being outside the traditional Rugby League heartlands, the club attracted young talent from across Bolton and beyond.
RFL Clubmark Achievement
The Lions achieved RFL Clubmark status, a testament to our commitment to high standards in club management, safety, and player development.
First Open Age Team
The club reached a significant milestone by establishing its first open age team led by John Thompson. This marked the beginning of senior rugby at the Lions.
First Cubs Section
The club started their first cubs sessions lead by Jamie Brown, Tony Grindley & John Thompson
Major Funding Secured
In 2020, the club secured £300,000 in funding through the RFL's CreatedBy programme, paving the way for the development of our new clubhouse.
New Clubhouse Opens
A major milestone was reached with the opening of our state-of-the-art clubhouse, featuring modern changing rooms, a gym, and community spaces.
Club Growth
The Lions continue to strengthen across all levels, with competitive teams in NWML Division 1 and Division 4. Our youth development program has expanded significantly, providing clear pathways from junior to senior rugby.
Lions are Premier Division
A historic milestone as our First Team secures promotion and start the 2025 season in the NWML Premier Division. The club now boasts a comprehensive junior section with teams from Under 7s through to Under 18s, including two teams at Under 14s level, demonstrating our commitment to youth development.