History

It all began with a man called Dudley Ackroyd. He was the pioneer who established the Salem Sports Club.

The Congregational Church (it was not methodist contrary to general belief!) was run by Dudley and his brother Verney. Both were millionaires having earned their fortune in the textile industry, which was flourishing in the early 1900's. They formed the Salem Young Men's Class also known as the Salem Brotherhood, which was open to men aged 16 and upward.

Originally members participated in sporting activities other than rugby including cricket, football, tennis, crown green bowling and water polo. Salem Athletic Cricket Club still play on our old ground at Leylands Lane but the Salem Soccer Club sadly folded in the early 80's.

In the Autumn of 1923 a group of young men approached Dudley with a view to starting a rugby team. He was interested in the idea and said that his brother had a spare field in Heaton which they could use as a pitch. He told them to buy themselves some boots and he would do the rest! He proceeded to build a new pavillion with showers at Leylands lane.

Although it was quite hard initially to attract players to a 'church' side, a team was eventually assembled and on the 6th of Septmeber 1924 Salem took the field in a proper game against Bradford 'E' away at Idle. The first match was won!!

Over the next few months there was nowhere to change for home games as the new pavillion wasn't ready. Fortunately a local farmer offered Salem the use of his cowshed! 6in nails were hammered into large beams for clother hooks and a large tub used as a bath. The water was boiled in a pig swill container and after the visiting team had washed it was Salem's turn! The players would then catch a tram into Bradford for pie and mushy peas at Pie Toms.

After 2 years of being called Salem Rugby FC, Bradford was added in 1926/27. The club did consider to changing it's name to Heaton RFC or West Bradford RFC but thankfully no action was taken.

In 1974 construction of the current club house in Shay Lane commenced and through the driving force of Leo Brumfitt and the combined effort of the members who provided all the labour it was opened in October 1976. In 1982 work began on the first XV pitch and on the 11th September 1983 a Salem XV played a Harlequins XV to commemorate the inaugural game which the visitors won 12-3

So much for the past...But what about the future? Further promotion? More cup glory? Only time will tell!