A YORK financial consultant is appealing for businesses to back the Leeds Carnegie rugby union academy.

Mark Pepper, director of Grosvenor Financial Consultants, and a non-executive director of the academy, came up with the ambassador scheme to encourage local companies and individuals to support and invest in the future of Leeds Carnegie.

The academy manages the talent selection process for the under 13s and under 16s, involving the organisation, selection and coaching of each of the age group squads, as well as providing facilities and medical support.