YORK City Knights star signing Lee Jackson has helped launch the new sponsorship of the National League Cup by Arriva Trains Northern, writes Peter Martini.
Jackson, pictured wearing a Knights polo shirt, went to a photo shoot to welcome in the new two-year deal.
The transport firm - which has a substantial base in York - has signed a six-figure sponsorship package of the competition, which made its debut last year as the Buddies National League Cup.
The competition, restricted to National League One and Two clubs, kicks off the new National League season on Sunday, January 19 - when the Knights play their first-ever competitive game at home to Hull Kingston Rovers. It comprises four regionally-based groups of five, with the top two from each qualifying for the knock-out quarter-finals. The Arriva Trains Cup final is scheduled for July 6.
Rugby Football League executive chairman Richard Lewis said: "Arriva Trains Northern has given professional rugby league a massive boost by backing the Arriva Trains Cup for two years.
"We look forward to working with them to develop an important rugby league brand and their business objectives."
Dyan Crowther, Arriva Trains Northern's commercial director, said: "The roots of this tournament are very much in the north of England therefore we're keen to put our support behind such a major sporting event which holds such importance in the region we serve."
Updated: 12:17 Saturday, December 21, 2002
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