Mayfield trustee Paul Shanks will join the board at Spotland, and the two clubs will work together to enhance the sport's youth and community development throughout the borough.

Links between Hornets and the Mayfield Club have always been strong, with the borough's leading amateur side having seen many of its players go on to play with the town's professional outfit. Indeed, current Hornets utility back Sam Butterworth is a product of the Mayfield club - who are coached by former Hornets stand-off Steve Gartland (brother of Hornets' assistant coach Sean).

This new relationship gives the progression from amateur to professional a more clearly defined structure, which will be of mutual benefit of both clubs. Hornets' commercial director Karen Reynolds explained: "The potential for the development of our community planning is immense with this appointment. The experience Mayfield as a club has developed over the years will be invaluable to our continued growth in this area."

Hornets' chief executive Ann Manock agrees: "Mayfield has long been the hub of the amateur game in Rochdale and developing this partnership is marvellous news for the future of the game at local level. The link to grass roots level Rugby is vital for the development of the sport as a whole and we are delighted that we can strengthen that bond".

John Donovan, Chairman of Mayfield (and former Hornets prop), sees the partnership as the culmination of several years' hard work and said: "It's something we have been working towards for the past few years. - and I think this link up can only be for the good of rugby league in the town."

In addition to reviving kids' games played before and during half-time at Hornets matches, it also gives Mayfield a direct link with players who are on the fringes of the Hornets squad but can't get a game.

John Donovan again: " If Darren Abram has players in his squad who aren't getting games, instead of lending them out different clubs there has to be some system which allows them to play with us. It will help them gain match fitness and when necessary they can return to play for Hornets."

This new partnership comes as this year's Rugby League Summer Schools are once again drawing kids from across the Borough.

The final Hornets Summer School takes place at Cardinal Langley High School Middleton on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th August.

Coached by Hornets players and RMBC Sports Development officer Phil Cantillon, sessions will run from 10am to 12 noon for 7 to 11 year olds (mixed gender), and 1pm to 3pm for 12 to 16 years - Boys and Girls in separate sessions. Each attendee will receive receive reduced price family tickets -and a medal and certificate which will be presented at the following home match.