The shield was coined by former president Mick Downey in 1997 as the green and golds stalwart wanted to give his beloved club a permanent pre-season match before the start of every winter.

It was originally designed to feature the four Catholic clubs in the Central West, but after Lithgow Shamrocks pulled out, Orange CYMS, Dubbo CYMS and Bathurst St Pat's were left standing.

The three clubs went back and forth between 1997 and 2008 but unfortunately, the concept faded away ... until now.

On Saturday at Endeavor Oval, the CYMS sides will do battle in all four grades as the Foundation Fathers Trophy is officially up for grabs again, much to the delight of Downey.

"I'm extremely happy to see it back," Downey said.

"It's been a bit difficult over the years because only the three Catholic clubs are eligible to play for it. But, thank God we're playing for it again."

The quartet of fixtures will kick-off at 10.30am with points to be given to the winner of each match. The club that accrues the most points throughout the day will win the shield.

The under 18s will play for two points, league tag and reserve grade for four points, and first grade for six points.

While Downey's thrilled the shield has been brought back to life, he hopes Saturday's battle will be the first of many down the track.

"We're hoping we can make this a permanent thing," he said.

"It's going to be easier to do it next year if Group 10 and Group 11 merge with each other."

He's no longer the club's president but Downey can be found preparing the players for games every weekend as he's the club's main strapper.

Downey's about to tick over 30 years of service at the club as he first linked with CYMS in 1991 when his eldest son Justin started playing.

For many CYMS' first graders, Saturday's hit-out will be a huge physical test as a lot of players have played limited rugby league since the onset of COVID last year.

The day's first contest will kick-off at 10.30am at Endeavor Oval.

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