YORK City Knights have committed themselves to introducing a new Academy team before next season - at an estimated cost of up to £40,000.

The move comes after Rugby Football League chiefs laid down new criteria which says all National League One clubs must have an Under-21 team set up for 2006. National League Two clubs must follow suit by 2007.

The formation of an Academy has always been part of the Knights' long-term plans, especially as it is a must for Super League, but this new RFL condition means they will have to bring it in several years ahead of schedule - otherwise their place in NL1 following promotion would be in jeopardy.

There are many benefits to running an Academy side, but the RFL offers no financial assistance to either set one up or run it so clubs without one will have to fork out extra cash.

The Evening Press believes running an Academy will cost £30,000 to £40,000 per year, and the Knights have confirmed they are looking to set up new sponsorship deals.

Development officer Ian Wilson said the club were "still exploring the implications" of the ruling but was confident they would get a team in place.

"We're still looking into where players will come from, where they will play and train, the coaching set-up, volunteers for match-days, physios and things like that," he explained.

"It doesn't leave us with a great deal of time but now is as good a time as any, on the back of a promotion, to do it.

"If we're going to go forward we will need this structure in place anyway, especially with the Scholarship players coming through. It's something the club needs to have if the structures are to be continuous from the Scholarship to the first team."

That Scholarship scheme was started last season - initially at under-13 and U14 level - as the club prioritised that ahead of an Academy. That scheme is also to expand to take in new age groups, while the Academy now needs to be formed by December.

Wilson was confident there was enough talent in the region for such a team, while the Knights will also scour the local universities and check-out youngsters surplus to requirements elsewhere.

Clubs will also be allowed to play up to eight open age players in the Under-21s, which gives those squad players an opportunity to stake a claim for a first-team spot, sharpen up after injury or simply keep match fit.

There are fears the extra costs involved could harm some clubs financially, but a spokesman for the RFL said this was a criterion long in the making and would be good for the sport in the long-run.

"It's about the creation of a greater playing base and is part of the pyramid within each club's locale," he said.

"It provides a recognised pathway for players to develop, and is a way of helping National League clubs develop their player supply without depending on signing cast-offs.

"It's also a way of supporting the first team, giving young players experience against older players and giving first-team squad players a route back into the first team."

Anyone interested in sponsoring the Knights' Academy should contact the club on 01904 758234.

Updated: 10:03 Thursday, September 22, 2005