Knights coach James Ford’s laying foundations for the future (From York Press)

Knights coach James Ford’s laying foundations for the future

11:00am Saturday 10th December 2011 in Knights RL

New York City Knights scholarship coach James Ford declared the future was very bright for the club following the second U18s trial, writes Peter Martini.

More than 40 players attended the first trial two weeks ago and 26 were invited back with the aim of gaining a place in the squad.

Ford, the first-teamer who was recently made U18s coach, said: “I was genuinely impressed with the standard of the players and selecting the squad was very difficult.

“It is important the players we select have the attitude and commitment required to succeed at a professional club’s level, and I am certain we will see many of these players in a first team shirt in the not too distant future.”

Ford will be supported in his role by assistant coaches Matt Isherwood, who has worked with Ford previously, and North Yorkshire Service Area co-ordinator Nick Settle.

Jack Stearman, a player and a member of the club’s community office, will support in a team manager role.

The Knights U18s will play six matches in the 2012 season and the club will be organising some fundraising evenings to help raise money to support this programme and the U15s/U16s scholarship, which is scheduled to start in the new year.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the Knights scholarship can phone Stearman at the Knights office on 01904 767404 or email jack@ycknights.co.uk