Sports Clubs & Associations in Atherton, Manchester, Lancashire

Warrington Wolves rugby league football club has a long and illustrious history as one of the most prominent and successful clubs in the sport. Founded in 1876, they were one of the original clubs that seceded the Rugby Football Union in 1895 to form the code of football now known as rugby league. They play in Super League, the top tier of the professional game in the Northern Hemisphere, and are the only founding club never to have played outside the top flight. They have been crowned league champions three times, and winners of the Challenge Cup nine, as well as picking up numerous other honours. The team are nicknamed 'The Wire', a shortened form of 'Wirepullers', the moniker given to the club in its early years in reference to the major industry of the town. Originally formed as Warrington Zingari, they adopted the town name alone at the end of their inaugural season following the demise on an earlier Warrington club. 120 years later, they officially appended Wolves to their name.

Bolton Wanderers Football Club Bolton Wanderers were among the twelve teams that were the originals members of the English Football League. They came in fifth place the first season (1888/1889) and in other words, it is a club with plenty of history. The club has never won the top leagues, but have won the FA Cup four times and been runners-up twice in the League Cup. Two of the most prominent players over the years are Joe Smith and Nat Lofthouse.

Saints has a long and glorious history that dates back to its formation in 1873. Since then they have won more than 70 trophies and are the most successful club in the summer era. Saints Heritage Society has a fantastic website which holds details of every game that Saints have played since rugby league began in 1895: that's nearly 2,000 players and more than 4,500 matches! It is a phenomenal site that will interest every Saints fan and is definitely worth a look.