YORK RLFC Foundation have announced a new partnership with the Rugby Football League (RLF) in a bid to deliver a new project to grow rugby league in North Yorkshire.

The aim of the project is to bolster the playing opportunities and the growth of rugby league in North Yorkshire, first starting in Harrogate and Selby before expanding into Scarborough and beyond from 2025.

Staff members from the York RLFC Foundation will work with Harrogate Hawks to help strengthen the off-the-field operations of the community-based club, and to help launch a new Juniors section.

The Foundation will also deliver their Alliance Programme school sessions, a Primary Schools Festival and regular community sessions within Harrogate.

Elsewhere in Selby, the Foundation will continue with their Alliance Programme school sessions whilst aiding the launch of a new community club within the Selby area.

The aforementioned community club will launch with primary school aged Junior sides, helping youngsters to become more involved in rugby league with new opportunities now available to them.

From 2025 the York RLFC Foundation will also be expanding to Scarborough, with the Foundation continuing to support community club Scarborough Pirates, with the North Yorkshire club seeking to introduce a new Juniors section to their club.

Primary Schools Festivals are planned to be held in Selby, Harrogate and York during 2024, introducing new players to rugby league and helping to grow the sport throughout the North Yorkshire region.

York RLFC Foundation Community Coach Mark Prangnell said: "I am delighted that York RLFC Foundation has entered into a new partnership with the RFL to grow rugby league in North Yorkshire, allowing the Club to further enhance its support and offerings outside of York.

"North Yorkshire is a major potential growth area for rugby league and this partnership allows the York RLFC Foundation to support and create playing offerings in Harrogate, Scarborough and Selby.

"The York RLFC Foundation will continue to deliver our wide range of community initiatives within York as well as seeking to further expand the sport and our work across North Yorkshire.

"Anyone interested in getting involved in the development of rugby league in North Yorkshire is asked to email foundation@yorkrlfc.com or call 01904 670880 and ask for the Foundation team."