The Yorkshire Junior League became the third grassroots League competition to gain the prestigious “Leaguemark” award on Saturday at the Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield.

Representatives from the three successful recipients were guests at the first Carnegie Challenge Cup Semi Final between St Helens and Leeds and took part in a half time parade.

Since the RFL introduced the new system of benchmarking grassroots Leagues back in June last year, both the North West Counties Youth League and Fraser Eagle National Conference League have already attained the honour,

Andy Harland, RFL National Development Manager, said: “I would like to congratulate the Yorkshire Junior League for the hard work they have put in to meet this benchmark.

“We hope many other Leagues will be following in their footsteps in the coming years.”

“Leaguemark” is a voluntary initiative which encourages playing Leagues to fully develop and formalise their systems and operations for the benefit of all players and all member clubs.

It aims to ensure that these structures are maintaining the highest standards in the areas of administration, playing opportunities, financial arrangements, risk assessment and child protection policies.

Any playing League which is awarded “Leaguemark” status can rightly claim to be exemplary in terms of these important elements and thus assist itself in retaining and attracting more member clubs and players.