Top of the League

ONE of the accusations regularly made of the country's extraordinarily wealthy Premier League football clubs is that precious little of their millions are ploughed back into the local community.

By The Newsroom

Published 19th Aug 2010, 21:23 BST

Updated 19th Aug 2010, 21:23 BST

In contrast, elite rugby league has never lost sight of its social responsibilities. Whether it is players respecting officials, or

the efforts of clubs to nurture local talent, rugby league remains close to its roots.

Today, the sport takes another step forward, with plans to create the first rugby league school academy. The 48m venture involving Super League side Hull FC, in partnership with the city's Sirius Academy, is a first for any sport in Britain.

It is surely the way forward for others. This model is already used on the Continent by leading football clubs, and also by Australia's rugby league clubs. It partly explains England's inferiority in both sports.

The Hull club hopes its investment will develop a production line of future stars. Meanwhile, the academy hopes to benefit from highly-motivated students.

The new venture will be launched next year. It cannot begin soon enough.