YORK City Knights have praised the Supporters' Club after they handed over £10,000 towards the formation of a new Academy side.

As revealed by the Evening Press last week, the club must set up an Under-21s team by next season to meet new Rugby Football League criteria, otherwise the promoted club's place in National League One might be in jeopardy.

It has been estimated they will need an extra £30,000 to £40,000 to afford this and the Supporters' Club, which already donates to the Scholarship Scheme, presented them a cheque at the Knights' presentation evening.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the Academy can contact the Knights on 01904 758234.

Knights star David Bates has been selected for the 28-man Ireland squad for this year's European Nations Cup. The prop had been a doubt due to the injury that kept him out of York's title run-in.

Former Knight Danny Brough, now starring with Hull, is in the 20-man Scotland squad, while ex-York coach Richard Agar is the Scots' assistant-boss.

The Euro Nations Cup will feature Georgia this year, replacing England 'A' in the six-team tournament. Champions England have a revised fixture format this autumn, against France and New Zealand.

Prop Yusuf Sozi is training with Otley RU club after turning down a new contract at Huntington Stadium.

Gateshead coach Dean Thomas is keen to keep Neil Thorman at Thunder. The Tynesider, who moved to the Knights from Gateshead ten months ago, returned to the North-East on loan midway through the season.

Updated: 09:36 Monday, September 26, 2005