SAINTS have received another massive boost in landing a major sponsorship deal with glass giants Pilkington - with the stars of the future very much in mind!

For the Silk Cup Challenge Cup finalists have launched a three-year £150,000 schools development programme to which the town's largest employer will contribute half, with the shortfall coming via a grant from the Government's 'Sportsmatch' incentive scheme.

Dubbed the 'Pilkington Foundation,' the principal aim of the ambitious scheme will be to expand the growth of Rugby League in the town's 80 schools, with a possible captive audience of almost 30,000 boys and girls.

Only ten local schools presently play the game, so the overall intention is to spread the 13-a-side gospel and help strengthen the code at grass-roots level as Rugby League prepares to really take off with the advent of the Super League.

The revolutionary project is a joint initiative of Saints' chief executive David Howes and his Pilkington counterpart Roger Leverton, both of whom have been quick to realise the need to establish a common ground in the vital area of community links.

St. Helens Metropolitan Borough Council,through its Education Department, has given the plan unqualified approval.

And in order to co-ordinate the venture, which is in line with the RL's 'Framing the Future' policy document, Saints' have appointed 28-year-old Nick Halafihi to the dual role of schools development officer and Academy team coach.

The son of ex-Hull star Nan Halafihi, Nick formerly played for Hull KR, Sheffield Eagles and London Broncos, and is presently head of PE at a leading school on Humberside. He will take up his new position on May.

Said Mr Howes: "The innovative scheme is intended to become the flagship for the expansion of Rugby League in our schools, and we at Saints are delighted that Pilkington and the local authority have become involved."

Added Pilkington Group Director of Human Resources John Benson: "My company have been an integral part of the St. Helens community since 1826, and for 100 of these years Saints has been a focal point both for supporters and for those who use the facilities at Knowsley Road.

"Members of the team, who are the youngsters' heroes, can be role models in essential character building."

The 'Pilkington Foundation' terms of reference include:

Being based at Saints' ground where 24-strong 'classrooms' will be held.

The Education Department will structure a programme of entry to the widest selection of schools.

The Foundation to provide full RFL coaching programme.

Saints will send first team squad on official coaching courses, and they will then instruct the youngsters.

A special feature will be 'match days' involving players and schools, which will include curtain-raisers, acting as ball-boys, timekeepers, scoreboard operators, programme articles, public address announcements, with the school admitted free and parents at reduced rate.

Link-up with Puma Little League and BNFL Awards Scheme.

Participation certificates and badges carrying endorsements for Pilkington and Sportsmatch.

Intensive public relations exercise by Saints' press office in support of the Pilkington Foundation.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.