YORK City Knights have launched their scholarship scheme for 2009/10 – boosted by a cash donation from the Higgo’s 13-a-side Rugby Foundation, a charity set up in memory of late scholarship and academy chief Paul Higgins.

The scholarship, now in its sixth year, is part of the player pathway to becoming a Knights first-teamer, which also incorporates the North Yorkshire Service Area, the York College rugby development course, and the Knights’ academy side.

It also benefits the local amateur clubs who have players on the scheme, such as Heworth Under-15s, who have praised its work.

Development officer Adam Prentis said: “We’re committed to the youth development system along with the school system and we’re one of only seven clubs outside Super League running this kind of scholarship.”

Higgo’s 13-a-side Rugby Foundation was set up following the untimely death of popular coach Higgins, whose widow, Marilyn, presented the new scholars with their 2009/10 shirts.

The scholarship will again have top coaches, not least Knights legend Mick Ramsden, who is also now first-team assistant-boss.

One of the clubs whose players feature heavily in the scholarship are Heworth. Carl Deighton, coach of the Villagers’ U15s, who is Coach of the Year named by the Knights development department, said: “A number of the lads have been with us since U8s and it has been a pleasure to watch them develop into some talented young players.”

The U15s, promoted to Yorkshire Youth League division one after remaining undefeated in division two last season, face many clubs boasting players in Super League scholarships and academies, but reckon they have the talent to compete – with many of their youngsters benefiting from coaching by the Knights’ development team.

Assisted by another Knights legend, Rich Hayes, the lads have been pre-season training throughout the summer and hopefully his influence and experience will further add to their playing ability.

Meanwhile, the U15s warmed up for their first season in the elite division with a hard 20-6 win in a feisty friendly at Skirlaugh.

Tries came from centre Jack Stewart (2), Jordan Potter, with a long-range effort, and Flannan Naismith. Harry Deighton added two goals.

The U15s train on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6.30pm to 8pm, at Elm Park Way and anyone wishing to join is welcome to attend, or phone Deighton on 07784 344109 or Kevin Pratt, assistant-coach, on 07969 434353.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the team’s tour to France next month can also contact Deighton or Pratt.

Knights scholars 2009/10 – Under-14s: Lewis Lord, Richard Ashton, Kieran Parker, Jack Rowson, Jonah Adshead, Louis Phillips, Ben Church. Under-15s: Daniel Coulson, Liam Jackson, Ben Illingworth, Ben Owram, Jack Griffiths, Thomas Connell, Thomas Zbadynski, Harry Deighton, Alex Clough, David Hayes, Billy Legg. Under-16s: Andrew Scriven, Louis Meadows, Ashley Winstanley, Kristian Brining, Sean Marlarkey, George Pallister, James Raywood, Lewis Smith, Alex Ganchev, Tom Holmes, Matt Brewer, Scott Stevenson, Oliver Day, Nathan Hebblethwaite, Alex Coman, Nathan Hammond, Jack Townsend.