Super League hopefuls York Knights have announced plans to launch a Centre of Excellence, aimed at improving rugby league in the area.
The Knights are expected to win the Championship League Leaders Shield this weekend when they host Batley Bulldogs at home. Even a defeat would see York lift the title unless second-place Toulouse manage to overturn a 150-point differential.
Having already secured the 1895 Cup and understandably being the favourites to lift the Championship Grand Final given their current winning run of 18 games, dating all the way back to April, it’s fair to say that York are a team on the up.
They are one of the sides who have applied to join Super League in 2026 and the club, who already have a partnership in place with NRL champions Penrith Panthers, have now proposed plans for a new Centre of Excellence.
It’s yet another stride they’ve taken in their bid to raise standards in the region, whilst also develop future players for both the Knights and the city’s women’s side, the Valkyrie.
York take another step to establishing themselves as a Super League side
The club shared a statement where they announced their ‘intention to launch’ their Centre of Excellence, something they will do for 2027.
They explained: “Currently in the design stage, the project is subject to further conversations with City of York Council and our valued education partners York St John University and York College. With the guidance and expertise of Portakabin, we are excited to share how the plans are beginning to take shape.
“The proposed Centre of Excellence will be designed to raise the standards of rugby league in the region, providing world-class training, education, and development opportunities for future Knights and Valkyrie players. By combining professional performance environments with education pathways, the project aims to build a sustainable model that supports athletes both on and off the field.”
Chairman Clint Goodchild, who has been vocal about the club’s readiness to compete in Super League, said: “Player development and performance are at the heart of York RLFC’s strategy.
“The Centre of Excellence represents not only a significant investment in our Club’s future, but also in the wider community and the next generation of rugby league talent.
“While these plans are still in the early stages, we are determined to create an environment that inspires, develops and prepares players to succeed at the highest levels of the game.”
⚔️ 𝑪𝑳𝑼𝑩 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑻𝑬𝑴𝑬𝑵𝑻
With plans currently in the design stage, we’re working closely with the City of York Council, York St John University, and York College to bring our Centre of Excellence vision to life.
🔗 Click here to see a sneak peek of our proposed plans:… pic.twitter.com/h3QNpKm5Co
— York RLFC Knights (@YorkRLFC) September 12, 2025
