Club Doncaster Community, Sports and Education Foundation, Sheffield Eagles - Include Foundation and Sky are teaming up with the Rugby Football League to launch Sky Try, a new grassroots initiative.
The scheme's target is to get 100,000 more young people playing the game, in a seven-year plan designed to raise the sport's popularity around the country.
Nigel Wood, chief executive of Rugby Football League, told Sky Sports News HQ: "It's a programme of engagement for young people to get involved in rugby league across coaching and playing.
"We know that most people come to our sport under the age of 12 and that is an area where we have to put in some considerable investment. Thanks to our association with Sky Sports, Sky Try is going to be a wonderful initiative."
The charities for both Doncaster Rugby League and Sheffield Eagles have joined forces to setup a South Yorkshire Rugby League consortium that will include representatives from each club, schools and local partners.
The initiative is a huge coup for rugby league in South Yorkshire and will be compiled of four key components:
• Primary School Rugby League
• Secondary School competitions and teacher training
• Girls touch rugby league and embed the pathway to develop talent
• Make the big games bigger!
Using the brand and authority of the two clubs will inspire, motivate and encourage young players to take up rugby league and increase attendances at targeted games.
Commenting on the Sky Try initiative, Chief Executive of Doncaster RLFC Carl Hall said, “I would like to thank Sky Try and the RFL for backing this innovate partnership between Doncaster and Sheffield, enabling us to raise not only the profile of rugby league but also increase participation linking in with local community rugby clubs and schools.
"An initiative such as Sky Try will be well received across the Doncaster Borough and contribute to our brand and reputation within the town. We have big plans at the Dons and this is yet another significant coup in partnership with our charity, Club Doncaster to engage, motivate and inspire the next generation of players and supporters.”
Ken Jones, Chair of Trustees for Include Foundation stated “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Club Doncaster Foundation for the Sky Try programme to deliver a unique partnership. The model we have created will ensure we maximise the delivery of the 4 pillars of the project to the South Yorkshire region. Our project will create a sustainable long term pathway for Primary and Secondary children both boys and girls into higher echelons of the game, whilst promoting fitness, health and wellbeing".
To find out more information about Sky Try or how your school can get involved, please email:
Gareth.cook@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk – Club Doncaster, Community Manager, or
nick.gill@sheffieldeagles.com – Include Foundation