In 2004 the Jarrow Vikings was established to give Rugby League playing opportunities for players in South Tyneside, something that had not been available since 1996 and the demise of the South Shields Raiders.
A great deal of schools development had taken place in 2003-04 in primary schools in Jarrow and Hebburn and current head coach George Taylor decided to establish a club based out of Luke's Lane. Following some consultation with the local rugby union side, Jarrovians, it was agreed to operate both codes from the same venue and Jarrow Junior Vikings became active at the U12 age group.
Soon after the interest was identified to form an adult section and a number of players came forward from Westoe RFC and with George's connections with the Student Rugby League set up in the North East the side were soon training and entered into the Rugby League Summer Conference for 2004.
The club had a distinct family feel to it with George as player/coach and chairman and Sandra, his wife, as the secretary.
The clubs reputation soon grew and their interaction in the wider community earned them the National title as Best New Club for 2004, for which they received an award from the Rugby Football League.
The Junior Vikings reputation also grew in line with the adults and a number of the stars of the future were to don the now famous Black and Gold of the Vikings.
The Vikings are a family and community club and do not charge their juniors to become members and only ask for the minimum necessary from players in way of membership. They rely on the generosity of its sponsors, who are generally small business's working within the local community. The club have also been fortunate enough to be awarded the Tyne and Wear High Sheriff Award in 2005 and 2006 for providing opportunities for young people, helping to reduce crime.
They also have a history of brothers playing for the side and have featured at least one pair every season for the past 5 years. (Record in 2006 was 3 pairs of brothers!)
One of the clubs long term sponsors is Norman Scott of The Clock Tavern, Hebburn. The Clock provide all of the clubs after mach hospitality and support events, such as a disability day run by the Vikings at Monkton Stadium and more recently the North East Masters event for players over 35 years of age.
2009 has been a remarkable season for Jarrow, not just on the field where they remain unbeaten, but also off the field with involvement with Kirsten Lapping Designs "Skills Challenge", hosting the North East Masters, one player selected to represent Scotland at U18 and 12 players selected to train with Gateshead Thunders U18 squad. Also the club has attracted several new sponsor, SBC Blasting and Coatings Ltd, Kirsten Lapping Designs, Build2 Perfection and 100% Team Extreme.