York City Knights have taken another big step in the development of both the club and the game in the city with the announcement they are planning to run an Academy side next season.

Knights chief executive Steve Ferres said having an Under-21 outfit was 'essential' for the long-term prosperity of the game in York, though it's short-term viability would depend on finances and the quality in the squad.

The call has thus gone out to all upcoming youngsters to put themselves forward for the new team.

"We would like to run an Academy side next year, finances permitting and providing we can put out a competitive side," Ferres told the Evening Press.

"It's not just important but is essential for the future of the club and in terms of the part it can play to generate players over the coming years.

"It's all about timing. It was not the right time at the start of this season when we were just starting out, but hopefully it is right next year. We will see what it will be like for the start of next season.

"It's a long-term thing, not a short-term thing. We've proven we can be competitive in the short-term with the first team, but this is something for the long-term future of the club.

"We want a conveyor belt that brings in players, coaches and administrators."

The announcement comes just six weeks after it was revealed the club had won Sportsmatch funding to go towards a £100,000 rugby league development programme around the city. Sponsorship for that community-based scheme came from the club's main sponsor, Guildford Construction.

The club said then that they were 'demonstrating their determination to develop the sport at junior level', while this new move to start up an Academy further proves their desire to boost their long-term future.

"With the Sportsmatch money we already have, that side of things is set up, and that is going a long way to starting the procedure," added Ferres.

Anybody interested in playing who is U21s is asked to contact Ferres at the Knights office, telephone 01904 656105, or send their playing details to the club (York City Knights RLFC, Huntington Stadium, Kathryn Avenue, York, YO32 9JS), marked for the attention of Ferres.

"I expect a fair response," said Ferres. "The response we get will give us some indication as to how far we've come as a club.

"There is going to be some interest but we won't know the quality until we've had a trial game to assess what ability we can tap into.

"I'm sure quite a few young players will put their names forward and hopefully there will be enough to form a quality team for next season."

Updated: 10:59 Thursday, June 12, 2003