Knights believe in children

Stuart Corsar

Doncaster Knights today take the proud step of announcing an innovative and groundbreaking Shirt sponsorship deal with the UK’s largest Children’s charity Barnardo’s. In what can be considered one the biggest branding link up and Shirt Sponsorship deals in the RFU Championship the Knights will proudly display the “ Believe in Children” across their chests for the 2010-11 RFU Championship season. The Knights will be proudly presenting this deal at a free event for fans which is open to all on the evening of Friday 13th August. A free training session beginning at 7pm will precede an official announcement by Knights Director of Rugby Lynn Howells about the partnership and photograph opportunities.

Tom Warman, Head of Corporate Partnerships for Barnardo‘s, North, said: “We are delighted with this sponsorship. It’s a great opportunity for people to see Barnardo’s name and learn about the important work we do across the region and the UK. It’s also good for the young people we work with to see our name and learn about the important work we do across the region and the UK. It’s also good for the young people we work with to see our name on rugby shirts. Sport is very important for young people and exercise helps establish long term positive patterns of behaviour, has long term health benefits and the link between health and learning is well established. It’s an all-round winner.”

Knights Director of Rugby Lynn Howells gave us these words, “What a proud day for a Rugby Club to be associated with such a fantastic organisation as Barnardo’s. The aims of this Children’s charity run parallel to the values of Rugby and it’s investment in young people and their development. I can tell you the Doncaster players are proud to be associated with such an important shirt sponsor, but not only that what a proud message to show for the Doncaster fans wearing the shirt”.

Doncaster Knights, the most promoted side in English Rugby Union with 8 promotions in 11 seasons, reached the second tier of English Rugby in the 2005/06 season. Since attaining this level they have achieved a best 3rd placed finish and the Semi Final of the cross border British and Irish Cup.

To sum up the deal Christopher Alcock, Managing Director of Weldricks gave us these words.

“ Weldricks Pharmacy is a locally owned family business that retains family values at the heart of its operation. We are delighted to be working with Banardo’s in partnership with Doncaster Knights. Recently we renewed our sponsorship with the Knights for the next three years, however after discussions with the numerous charities we took the decision to donate the rights for the main shirt sponsorship to Barnardo‘s. The Children’s Charity reflects our companies ethos and the family values of Doncaster Rugby Club, we believe we have created a link fans of Rugby across the country can be proud of.’

During the season Doncaster will be taking part in fundraising events and the shirts themselves will raise money in support of Barnardo’s. For every shirt bought by fans a donation is made to the charity, a perfect way to support your club and help Barnardo’s believe in Children.