Doncaster give over shirts to Barnardo's message

Last season, Sheffield Wednesday wore the Sheffield Children's Hospital on their shirts, following in the footsteps of Aston Villa and Barcelona football clubs in teaming up with charity groups.

Now the Knights have agreed a deal with Barnardo's – the UK's largest children's charity. They will display " Believe in Children" across their chests for the 2010-11 Championship season.

Lynn Howells, Knights' Director of Rugby, said: "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 its investment in young people and their development. 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."

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 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."

Christopher Alcock, Managing Director of Weldricks Pharmacy, said the family-owned business had agreed a three-year renewal of their sponsorship with Doncaster, but have now handed over shirt sponsorship to Barnardo's.

"Weldricks Pharmacy is a locally owned family business that retains family values at the heart of its operation," he said. "We are delighted to be working with Barnardo'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 company's ethos."

For every shirt bought a donation will be made to the Barnardo's charity.