In Stanley, rugby league has been played since 1919, when the original name of the club was Stanley Nibs. The headquarters were at the Wagons and Horses pub and then the club moved to the Miners' Arms at Lee Moor in 1964. When the Miners' Arms was closed by the brewery, the rugby club was offered similar facilities at the Ship Inn across the road from the Miners' Arms.

The club then formed a junior section, run by Ian Harris and David Sampson, with Alan Gibb joining a few years later. The junior section has become one of the most respected setups in amateur rugby league circles, providing the professional game with an abundance of players,some who have gone on to also represent their county and especially their country at international level (see the Roll of Honour page).

Stanley Rangers at Yorkshire Cup Final, Belle Vue 1970-71 Back Row: Les Starkey, Stuart Ansell, Colin Hargrave, Pete Darling, Pete Brook, Steve Way, Malcolm Grainger Front Row: Ray Kilburn, Dave Bentley, Colin Brook, Dave Way, Nick Bedford, John Tate, Ray Stanley

1980s
In the late 1980's, there was a split within the club which brought about the forming of the Stanley Rangers Old Boys open age team. What was left of the club went on to form a partnership with the local cricket club, Stanley Falcons, who between them went on to develop the facilities that are now in evidence on Lee Moor Road as Stanley Sports and Social Club.

1990s
In the 1997-98 season, negotiations started and Stanley Rangers and the Old Boys rejoined under the Head Coach, Dean Sampson. This made for one of the most successful seasons ever at Stanley, with a trophy haul of 15 cups and League titles between all the reformed club sides.

2007

The progression is now coming to fruition with Stanley Rangers Open Age now having been accepted into the National Conference League, Division Two in 2007. With such a large selection of youth development to follow through to the open age group the future looks very rosy for the club.

Paul Lord, Chairman, Stanley Rangers ARLFC , 2010

On 2nd April 2010, Stanley Ranges ARLFC were presented with their Clubmark Gold award at the Hearwell Stadium at the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats match against Castleford Tigers. The club has continued its accreditation since it first gained its Clubmark status in 2005.

In June 2010 there was great news for Stanley Rangers when, at the meeting of the National Conference League's AGM last Monday, the decision to promote the club to Division One for the 2010/2011 season was made. The NCL in the coming season will comprise 14 teams in both the Premier Division and Division One, with 12 in Divsion Two. Stanley, who came third in Division Two, are promoted along with champions Eccles and second place Oldham St. Annes. This means that Division One will contain Castleford Panthers; Eccles; Ince Rose Bridge; Milford Marlins; Millom; Myton Warriors; Normanton Knights; Oldham St Annes; Oulton Raiders; Rochdale Mayfield; Stanley Rangers; Stanningley; Thornhill Trojans and Widnes St. Marie's.

This is a fantastic achievment for the club who only entered the NCL in 2007. In fact, from the Archive News of the 2007/8 season, this is the first report from the season's News:
Stanley Rangers' first match in the National Conference League saw them beat Ovenden 20-18 in a tightly-fought match in September 2007. Thanks to all the spectators who turned out to give the team such support on this historic day. Kevin Ward, former GB prop, presented Richard Cattley with the Man of the Match award.

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