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WIGAN ST JUDES ARLFC - CLUB HISTORY |
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Wigan St Judes was formed in 1980 to provide a much needed sporting facility in the Worsley Mesnes area of Wigan. It began with 20 children and now has some 300 players from age 7 through to adults. 6 teams play in the National Youth League. On average 250 children and adults play each week attracting up to 700 spectators in total. The club has developed over the years and in 1991 moved to its present site with 3 pitches and a clubhouse. During the life of the club some 30 players have progressed to play at professional level, a source of great local pride and an inspiration to our young players. |
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The president is councillor Brian Baldwin CBE, Vice presidents Jimmy Hickey and Ron Capstick who have supported the club from its foundation. The motto of the club is "GOING FORWARD" and everyone at the club is committed to this. It is reflected in the professional attitude the club shows to everything it undertakes from playing to coaching to administration. We have a wide support network in the community with our local MP, ward councillors and churches all supportive of the club. The founder members of the club secretary Joe Fitzsimmons and rugby manager Tommy Martindale. |
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We initially played in the North West Counties League and progressed to the Premier Division where we stayed for 3 seasons before applying for the new Conference League. We commenced our membership of the Conference League and won the Division Two title at the very first attempt. The following season we failed by just one point to secure promotion to the Premier League, finishing third in Division One. |
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As noted earlier, many of our ex members have gone on to become professional - such names as Kris Radlinski, Mick Cassidy, Sean Long, Craig Makin, Wes Davies and Mark Smith and we are rightly proud of this. However, we see our real strength as being our youth system. This produces talented players who can go on to professional clubs but more importantly, gives our local youngsters a positive outlet. The professional attitude referred to above is instilled at an early age. This discipline is carried forward into other areas of lives, not just sport. |