The Return of Education Day!

48 minutes ago
3 min read

York RLFC is delighted to confirm the return of its Annual Education Day!

It’s part of York Knights v Leigh Leopards in Round 9 of the Betfred Super League, on Friday 17 April (8pm) at the LNER Community Stadium.

Education Day is a dedicated, community-focused matchday designed and delivered by the York RLFC Foundation. The initiative aims to engage local schools, inspire young people, and promote rugby league alongside positive values such as teamwork, confidence, and healthy lifestyles.

The event will once again showcase the club’s strong and growing partnerships with schools and education providers, and celebrate the work delivered in communities across York and North Yorkshire.

We are delighted to have York College as our matchday partner for this event.

York RLFC and York College have established a partnership, launching the York Knights/York Valkyrie / York College Development Centre to combine elite rugby league training with education earlier this year. The collaboration creates pathways for students to gain real-world experience and exposure to a professional sporting environment on the Betfred Super League stage.

The initiative aims to create a sustainable model for developing local talent, allowing students to train like professional athletes while gaining qualifications. The partnership, which includes opportunities for student work experience, enhances the educational and sporting opportunities for young people in the region.

This event will feature a range of pre-match and half-time activities, including a primary schools rugby league festival, with dozens of children expected to take part on the main pitch.

Pupils from Knavesmire Primary School, St Wilfrid’s RC Primary School, St Oswald’s CE Primary School, and Duchy College, Harrogate Primary School will enjoy an Experience to Remember matchday experience.

Primary-aged pupils will take part in on-field pre-match activities, including forming a guard of honour, carrying York Knights flags, and walking onto the pitch as player mascots. At half-time, the children will return to the field to compete in a series of small-sided rugby league matches, giving them the opportunity to play on the stadium’s main pitch in front of a large crowd.

Adam Prentis, York RLFC Foundation Delivery Manager, said: “Education Day is about inspiring young people and helping them feel part of something special.

"Walking onto the pitch in front of a big crowd and a national TV audience is an experience they’ll never forget, and we’re incredibly proud to be able to offer that opportunity to local schools.

“Supporting schools and education partners is a vital part of the Foundation’s work. Each year, we engage thousands of children and young people, introducing them to rugby league and promoting healthy, active lifestyles through sport.

“Providing positive playing opportunities and allowing pupils to watch the Knights competing at the top end of the Super League can be incredibly powerful. We hope Education Day continues to support the growth of the community game and helps inspire the next generation of York Knights and York Valkyrie players.”

Ken Merry, Principal and Chief Executive of York College said: "Our partnership with the club is one we really value and I am delighted that York College has been given the opportunity to show our support to the York Knights and York Valkyrie by having our logo appear on the shirt of our city's Rugby League team, especially as this is the first season in Super League for the Knights.

"We will be looking to support the development of future rugby league talent through the York Knights/York Valkyrie x York College Development Centre and will be cheering on both teams this season."

Schools across York and North Yorkshire who would like to learn more about how the York RLFC Foundation can support their school are encouraged to get in touch.

Please contact York RLFC Foundation Delivery Manager Adam Prentis on a.prentis@yorkrlfc.com or call 01904 670880 and ask for the Foundation team.

To join us for Education Day as York Knights take on Leigh Leopards in the Betfred Super League!

Tickets for Friday’s game are priced Adult (22-64) £ 25.00, Senior (65+) £ 20.00, Young Adult (17-21) £ 20.00, Junior (12-16) £ 5.00, Child (U12) £ Free (although must be accompanied with an adult and requires a ticket).

You can tickets online HERE or by calling the York SMC Ticket Office on 01904 950950 (Option 1).

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