THE future of professional rugby league hangs in the balance as the club attempts to raise the necessary funds needed to gain entry back into the league next year.

The efforts of all involved have been excellent. However much remains to be done by the end of August if the professional game is not to be lost forever in North Yorkshire.

Rugby League has never been just about the play on the field, it's much more than that. The social side and the contribution made by a successful and well-run club to the local community is of great importance.

York has now got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a club that can compete with the best and develop into a Super League club. The business and marketing plan are the envy of some already in Super League.

But the people of York have to understand that this is the last chance and if it's not taken by the end of this week then there are no alternatives.

The package of benefits offered to club members is already good and is getting better all the time, so I urge people sitting on the fence to join the club now and become a founding member. It's not the old club, it's totally new.

Kevin Pratt,

Acomb,

York

I WOULD like to congratulate the Evening Press for the improved coverage it is giving to the fight to keep professional rugby league in York.

As Nicola Harrison said in her letter (Evening Press, Friday, August 23), many of us as fans have different dreams and ambitions for the new club but unless the city of York sports fans and businesses wake up any such dreams will end on August 31.

Many people say well it's only a rugby club, but I am sure the vast majority of readers can remember how much of a buzz there was in York in 1984 when they were on a Challenge Cup run.

No matter what sport or team involved in a city success breeds success. All everyone involved in the new club is asking is give us the chance to prove that York can have a successful rugby club again. No one is saying success will be easy but each week, month and season things will get better and once again York will have a rugby team to be proud of.

So if you haven't joined up to the membership scheme or taken out a season ticket now is the time to do so before the dreams end for good.

Alfie Brown

Lansdowne Terrace

York

Updated: 11:39 Wednesday, August 28, 2002