HEAD coach Dave Woods outlined a pathway to professional rugby league as York City Knights celebrated a successful season for the North Yorkshire Service Area.

Aspiring players from across York and North Yorkshire came together at a Service Area presentation at Huntington Stadium.

The event was staged to honour the achievements of the young hopefuls, giving them recognition for winning selection and then successfully completing the training schedule.

The players, from under-13s level to U16s drawn from local amateur rugby league teams, were joined by Knights players and coaching staff for the presentation in Bar 13.

Knights players Jack Stearman and Ash Winstanley talked about their time in the North Yorkshire Service Area scheme, detailing the sacrifices they had to make to gain professional contracts.

Rhys Clarke and Scott Woods were also on hand to present certificates to the players.

Woods concluded the evening by explaining how, as a professional club, the Knights feel the player pathway is important to player development, citing the example of first-teamers Ash Winstanley and Jack Stearman.

The event was organised by the newly-formed Coach Player Action Group, which is made up of a range of representatives from amateur clubs, Rugby Football League staff and the Knights.

Adam Prentis, Knights community development officer, has been involved with the player pathway for the last five years and has seen the success of the system.

Prentis said: “The Service Area would not be what it is without all the volunteers that give up their spare time to help the youngsters have opportunities such as this.

“The formation of the Coach Player Action Group has brought club members from across North Yorkshire together to benefit the youngsters in our region.

“Both Anne Thompson (RFL talent coach) and Nick Settle (North Yorkshire Service Area co-ordinator) have had a significant input into the work achieved in 2010. One volunteer that would deserve a particular mention is New Earswick All Blacks secretary Dawn Leatt, who has given up countless hours of her time.

“Ash Winstanley and first-team regular Jack Stearman spoke of their experiences. They both remember the impact playing for the Service area had on their rugby careers.

“These two are not alone and I am sure, as time goes on, this number will increase. From the Knights’ point of view, the more local talent representing our first team the better as well as maintaining the high standard of amateur rugby within the area.”

Any volunteers interested in joining the North Yorkshire Service Area should email co-ordinator Nick Settle at nicholas.settle@york.gov.uk