Supporters
We're delighted to have gathered some notable supporters of the ambitions we're aiming for. Here's what they had to say.
Charlie Hodgson, former British Lion, England International and Premiership Rugby's all-time leading point scorer
"I'm proud to say that my rugby journey started at the Old Brodleians and I'm thrilled to hear of these plans to develop their facilities further.
The Brods has held an excellent reputation for community rugby in Yorkshire for as long as I can remember and they remain one of the biggest clubs in the region.
Despite moving out of the area, I'm still in regular contact with my old club and delighted to see participation numbers still on the rise.
The great people at the helm of the club are building on an impressive legacy of volunteers that have gone before. There won't be another club in Halifax that's produced more rugby player's over the past 95 years and these ambitious plans will ensure the Brods continue their impact for generations to come."
Niamh O'Connor, West Yorkshire District Referee
As someone that's officiated as a Match Referee at the club, I know from experience the inadequacies of the Old Brodleians changing facilities and I completely support their vision to redevelop and modernise.The Brods is a very well respected club within the rugby network with a long history of producing thriving junior and senior teams.
Being from the local area, I also know of the excellent work they do beyond the rugby, within our community. Like so many other grassroots clubs, there's a critical need to bring their aging facilities into the modern era.
More and more girls and women are playing rugby and, like me, more are refereeing. It's simply essential that female participants have the same access to facilities as the males. The female game will only be able to grow the numbers when this is the case.
A typical visit to the Brods can mean that I must get changed in the car and shower when I get home. That's because there's two sets of changing rooms, home and away sides, which filter in to the communal showers. It's not going to be cheap but if the Brods' ambition is about being "fit for purpose", investment in these facilities is fundamental.
Matthew Whiteley, LLS Brighouse Lead
The Centenary Vision of Old Brodleians Rugby Club provides a powerful foundation for the growth and long-term success of the LLS rugby and education programme. As the club looks ahead to its next 100 years, its commitment to strengthening its role within the Hipperholme community and raising the standards of grassroots sport aligns perfectly with the aims of LLS.
By offering first-class facilities and a community-driven environment, Old Brodleians ensures that learners on the BTEC Level 3 programme can thrive both academically and athletically. The club's vision to build upon its proud history and create an even stronger community hub means that students will not only benefit from outstanding educational delivery but also from being embedded within a thriving, inclusive, and forward-looking sports culture.
The Centenary Vision demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, growth, and excellence — values that mirror those of LLS Education. Together, this partnership supports the holistic development of young people, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and character needed to progress in education, rugby, and life beyond the classroom.
In this way, Old Brodleians' Centenary Vision is not just about the future of the club, but also about investing in the future of the next generation — ensuring the LLS rugby and education programme continues to flourish for years to come."
Callum McNulty, School's Games Organiser for Calderdale
"As Calderdale's Schools Games Organiser it is my responsibility to create additional opportunities to inspire active lifestyles for Primary and Secondary school children across the district.
Through our great partnership with the Old Brodleians in Hipperholme we have access to a large recreation space to safely host our annual Cross Country heats and finals along with other activities throughout the year such as sports festivals and orienteering challenges.
Local sports clubs have a big job to maintain their pitches and facilities simply for their core activities so it's brilliant to see the Brods offering their facilities for community use like this.
We're therefore delighted to see that one of the pledges in their Centenary Vision is to guarantee that they will continue to host our events with the potential of adding more great activities that positively influence our local children to be healthy and active."
Chris Newbould, Head Coach, Calderdale Locomotives
"The Old Brods community is not just about the rugby life, it is about being at the forefront of sport and we're extremely excited about the plans to enhance the site here in Hipperholme.
One of the fastest growing sports in the world is American flag football, a non-contact version of American Football that is played with the same principles as it's full contact cousin.
Calderdale Locomotives are an all-inclusive, all ages welcomed, mixed gender American flag football team based at Old Brods. The aim is simple, to get as many people active in this new Olympic sport as possible whether you've played a team sport before or you don't know your Tom Brady's from your Karren Brady's.
It's a fun way to meet new people, get active and be part of something special with professionally run national leagues and even an incredible international set up.
The sport will only continue to grow as we head towards 2028, where American flag football will debut at the LA Olympics. So why wait? No matter your ability, get involved! Follow the team on social media, get down to a training taster session and fall in love with your new favourite sport."
