NEW deals have been made available for fans of rugby league wanting to help bring professional rugby back to the city.

The city's new York RL club - which will be an entirely new set-up with no connection to the folded York Wasps - are continuing to press home the message that they require 1,000 people to become members at a cost of £250 to raise the funds needed to help the club press for honours.

Membership guarantees admission to matches at Huntington Stadium for an adult plus a child, and gives members many city-wide discounts, including match-day benefits.

However, new deals now being offered, regarding membership and season tickets.

They include a £500 family deal, which gives full membership to a family of two adults and their children; a pensioner deal for £200 for all over-65s; and a junior deal for £30 for youngsters aged from 12 to 16.

Ten-year membership deals are also being offered for anyone wanting to secure membership for a decade at a cut price of just £1,000.

Life memberships are also open to the over-65s at just £500 each.

Additionally, season tickets are now also available at the usual rates. For adults they cost £130 for seating, £120 for ground. For over-65s they cost £80 for seating, £70 for ground. Children under the age of 12 will get in free if accompanied by an adult.

The club have stressed that no payments will be cashed unless the club gets the go-ahead. All moneys will otherwise be refunded in full.

Payments can be made to Hague and Dixon Solicitors (York RLFC), Bank House, 1 The Square, Stamford Bridge, York, YO41 1AG.

Cheques should be made payable to Hague and Dixon Solicitors (York RLFC). Standing orders can be made out to Hague and Dixon Solicitors (York RLFC), account number 70430021, sort code 209956, at Barclays Bank, Parliament Street, York.

York need to have £75,000 in the bank before August 31 for the RFL to allow them to play in the league next season. All fans are urged to buy membership or season tickets as soon as possible, or it could mean the end of professional rugby league in the city for ever.

A meeting of the fundraising committee will be held at Huntington Stadium bar tonight, starting at 7pm. All are welcome.

Further details available from Steve Ferres on 07976 155345.

Updated: 11:20 Monday, August 19, 2002