THE 2026 REVIEW
VALENTINE CUP 2026
Sunday 25 October 2026 · Salford Community Stadium
1,143 supporters. Four clubs. Two trophies.
The Valentine Cup returned to Salford in front of an official attendance of 1,143. Salford City Roosters lifted the Valentine Cup, while Langworthy Reds won the Valentine Shield.
VALENTINE CUP
Salford City Roosters 26–4 Folly Lane
Don Preston Trophy, Man of the Match: George Jamieson
VALENTINE SHIELD
Langworthy Reds 46–10 Cadishead Rhinos
Don Preston Trophy, Man of the Match: Chris Winstone
THE RETURN
THANK YOU, SALFORD.
Thank you to everyone who helped bring the Valentine Cup back: the four community clubs, their steering group representatives, players, officials, sponsors, partners, volunteers and supporters. Together, you made the 2026 competition possible.
THE FOUR COMMUNITY CLUBS
SALFORD’S CLUBS
THE HERITAGE
A CUP WITH A HISTORY
For more than a century, the Valentine Cup has been part of amateur rugby league in Salford and the wider Manchester district. Explore the story of the competition and its Roll of Honour.
THE COMMUNITY PROGRAMME
BEYOND MATCH DAY
The four community clubs have each nominated two local schools to receive free rugby league sessions, beginning in January 2027. The aim is to build lasting links between schools and their local clubs, helping more children discover the game.
4 CLUBS
Two local schools nominated by each club.
FREE SESSIONS
Rugby league sessions delivered by EdStart, funded through Salford 100.
WITH THANKS TO
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Debeau
Valentine Cup sponsored by Debeau
Debeau Performance creates sportswear, training wear and leisurewear for clubs and supporters.
Contact and website
The Dog and Partridge
Valentine Shield sponsored by Dog and Partridge
Contact details
Address:
221 Church Street, Eccles, Manchester M30 0LY
Phone: 0161 707 8901
Salford Rum Company
Don Preston Man of the Match sponsored by Salford Rum Company
Salford Rum produces craft rum at its railway-arch distillery on Viaduct Street, with distillery tours and tastings.
Contact and website
Visit Salford Rum at Salford Distillery
Address:
Arch 33, Viaduct Street, Salford M3 7WX
Email: hello@salforddistillery.com
Arlec Property Services
A Swinton building company providing general building and electrical work, house extensions, refurbishments and insurance repairs.
Contact and website
Address:
7 Reedmaker Place, Swinton, Manchester M27 9LN
Phone: 07772 747946
Salford 100
Grant funding partner
Salford 100 celebrates the city’s centenary in 2026 through events, activities and community projects.
Contact and website
EdStart
Schools programme delivery partner
EdStart provides primary-school PE, sports coaching and activities, including after-school and holiday clubs.
Contact and website
General enquiries address:
Carlyle House, 78 Chorley New Road, Bolton BL1 4BY
Phone: 0330 043 3542
Email: enquiries@edstart.org.uk
STAY INFORMED
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