Nineteen years after reforming Distington ARL are set to embark on a new chapter as they have been accepted to join the National Conference League for 2024.

The West Cumbrian club will be joining Division Three and they will be joining a growing rank of Cumbrian sides with Seaton Rangers, Hensingham, Millom and Ellenborough Rangers all recently playing in that division.

In a statement on the clubs Facebook page Lead volunteer Mark Askew spoke on behalf of the club: “On receiving the news that our application to The National Conference League has been successful, all at Distington ARL are overjoyed and extremely excited about our future in such a highly respected organisation.

“Our aim when reforming in 2005 was to improve year on year in the local Cumberland League and this we did.

“After this it was to maintain a good standard of Rugby League and develop our Youth System with a view of applying for the NCL, of which we did.

“Although our application was not successful back in 2017 due to sustainability, we where told to keep developing our Youth System and prove we can field a second team by attracting more players to sign of which we did.

“We went away, took onboard the NCL’s recommendation’s and built our club up to where we are today. A thriving Amateur Rugby League club that provides the teachings of Rugby League development, health and wellbeing, good sportsmanship and morals giving our players of all ages a sense of belonging in a family friendly environment.

“We are truly overwhelmed by this major stepping stone in our clubs history and want to thank the NCL board and the member clubs for recognising Distington ARL as a club worthy of a place in a league at the pinnacle of Amateur Rugby League.

“We want to say a special thank you to all players, coaches, back room staff, committee members, fantastic spectator’s and our amazing sponsors for their continued support in the years gone by and at present.

“A lot of hard work has gone in on the pitch and behind the scenes here at Distington to get us to where we are today and everyone involved carries the same ethos and the same common goal which is reflected in our achievement’s to date. We are a we do club not an I do club and long may that continue.

“This is a proud moment in the history of our village club and our community, finally being accepted into The NCL.

“The hard work starts now in preparation for The 2024 season.

“Again, thank you for this opportunity.”

Distington still have a couple of games left before they can start planning for next season as they finish off the CARLA season at home to Ellenborough A on Friday, September 22, before taking on Cockermouth Titans in the Cumberland Cup at Maryport on Saturday, October 21.

As for the National Conference the season is far from over with Millom welcoming Leigh East in the Division Three playoff final on Saturday, September 23.