In a first for rugby league, South Yorkshire neighbours Doncaster RLFC and Sheffield Eagles will both be supporting South Yorkshire charity Autism Plus for the forthcoming season.

This is the first charity partnership for both clubs, and as part of the arrangement, the Dons will carry the distinctive Autism Plus logo on their training kit and the Eagles will feature the same logo on their home and away shirts.

Autism Plus is a leading charity supporting people with autism and other complex conditions. The charity is based in South Yorkshire and works across the north of England. Autism Plus is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary and has recently launched the Future Plus Appeal to raise £10million to support a range of inspirational new projects it wants to deliver.

Doncaster's chief executive, Carl Hall said: "I know I speak on behalf of everyone associated with the Dons to say we're delighted to have Autism Plus as our chosen charity for the 2012 season.

"This is a first for the club and we're both very proud and honoured to have been given the opportunity to work closely with the charity's Future Plus Appeal initiative in their 25th year anniversary."

Mark Burton, corporate and trust fundraiser at Autism Plus said: "At Autism Plus we have some amazing plans to help people who face major challenges become more confident and independent.

"This partnership is a great example of the innovative approaches we use in our work."

On Sunday 22 January 2012, the two sides will compete against each other for the inaugural Autism Plus South Yorkshire Cup. The game will take place at the Keepmoat Stadium, and has a 3:00pm kick-off. Match day tickets for the local derby are as follows:

Adults: £10
Concessions (OAP's & disabled): £6
Juniors (5 to 16): £2
Under 5's go free

The ticket office number at the Keepmoat is 01302 762576. For more information on the Autism Plus charity, and to see the great work they do, visit their website here.