Players old and new have been looking for a way back into doing what they love – and through supporting the NHS, they’ve found their solution.

Former Frizington ARLFC player, Ryan Dodgson, wanted to raise funds for frontline workers and show just how much he and everyone in the village supports them.

With help from sponsors, the 34-year-old has put together the perfect shirt design to sing the praises of the NHS , which are set to be delivered in the next few weeks.

The sporting ‘thank you’ tops cost £20 for toddler sizes, £23 for children and £27 for adults, with an average of £7 per sale going straight to the NHS.

And through selling around 100 specially-designed shirts, Ryan has accidentally brought the rugby league players of the area together again through his fundraising – and he couldn’t be more pleased.

“I’ve had loads of messages from people wanting us to get the club back together,” he said.

“I set the old team up in 2005 and it lasted until 2013, and I’ve got about 32 players interested so I’m hoping we can get it back up and running with this much support behind it.”

He added: “It’s great because we’ve got old players and loads of new people wanting to play as well, so the interest is definitely there, and it’ll be good to give people something nice to focus on at the minute.”

The now-Workington man has high hopes for the new team, planning to cater to every rugby fanatic in the village, with an Under-9s, Under 16s and adult teams in the pipeline.

Ryan said: “It’s good to see people getting involved with the tops and wanting to get the team back together. Everyone seems really excited, and it’ll be good to see the team run really well and with a real focus on youth teams as well.

“I think it’s giving people a bit of hope that everything will be alright soon.”

But time is running out to get your own thank-you-tee, with final orders being put in on Friday.

To order your own t-shirt, or to get involved with the updated Frizington ARLFC, get in touch with Ryan on 07437 859982.