York City Knights were named the Betfred Championship Club of the Year at the end of season awards last night.
The club won the award for their off-field dynamism which has led to increased attendances – and an especially successful season for their women’s team, who reached Wembley in the 1895 Cup.
James Ford’s men’s team also made it to a cup final, taking the Knights to Wembley for the first time in ninety years in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup.
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Off the pitch, the York City Knights Foundation continued to build on its progress in recent years.
In the last three weeks, it has played a key role in organising and hosting both Physical Disability Rugby League and Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League festivals at the ever-impressive York St John University Sports Park.
It was a brilliant end to a year which started with lockdown and games behind closed doors, and ended with the club gracing their new LNER Community Stadium.
A big thank-you
It’s the second time in three years that the Knights have won the honour, having taken it in 2019 too.
Knights chairman Jon Flatman said: “This award just goes to show the progress that this club is making, both on and off the field. In what has been a trying year for everyone in the sport, we’re incredibly proud to be named Club of the Year.
“It’s a testament to the hard work of our off-field staff, who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to try make our first year in our new home a success. They all deserve a big thank you for their continued efforts.
“I’d also like to thank our partners, whose support of the club is vital to our growth. Their backing really does help us grow as a club and, in the case of York City Knights Foundation, continue delivering a range of programmes and projects to a range of demographics in our community.
“To our fans, thank you for your continued support. From watching on Our League when matches were behind closed doors to really starting to make the stadium our home in our matches against Bradford Bulls and London, especially, your loyalty is really appreciated. I’m delighted to see you all taking to our new stadium and we all look forward to seeing you here again in 2022.
“The way you have all got behind the Ladies’ team this year has been brilliant. We’re really keen, as a club, to continue growing the Women’s game and I’m sure you’ll be delighted to hear that we are planning more double-headers next season.
“Their success this year, after only a matter of months as a group, has been remarkable and we are all looking forward to a successful next season.”
Season tickets go on sale tomorrow – more on the York City Knights website.