A group of girls from Droylsden Academy got their first taste of rugby union thanks to two of Sale Sharks’ brightest academy talents and club partner Printerland.
The 20-strong group spent the day learning the ropes from Sharks stars Tumy Onasanya and Ben Bamber as part of Premiership Rugby’s ground-breaking Project Rugby inclusion programme.
And the year 10 group’s day was topped off with free tickets to Sale’s next home game against Bath, courtesy of Altrincham-based Printerland who support the club and charity partner, the Sale Sharks Foundation, with their work in inclusion.
Sale Sharks Brand and Community Manager Vicky Irwin said: “We have a responsibility to be so much more than just a rugby club and that means growing the game and introducing people to both the sport and the club.
“Our players are a big part of that, and it was great to see Tumy and Ben throw themselves into the Project Rugby session with the girls at Droylsden.
“The girls loved it and thanks to Printerland they get the chance to see the men’s team in action next week in a really important game against Bath.
“Without the support of partners like Printerland we wouldn’t be able to reach new audiences so we’re really grateful for their continued support.”
Printerland have been a long-standing partner of Sale Sharks having first agreed a deal back in 2004 to sponsor the Cheadle End of the club’s former home ground at Edgeley Park, before becoming official Family Stand sponsors at the AJ Bell Stadium in 2016.
In 2021 they extended their deal, which sees Printerland continue to deliver an inclusivity programme in the local region, supported by the Sale Sharks Foundation.
More than 10,000 match-day tickets have been given away to local charities in recent years by Printerland, through programmes designed to introduce underrepresented groups in the North West to the game of rugby.
Project Rugby is Premiership Rugby’s plan to engage and develop new audiences through rugby and stimulate a lifelong interest in the game.
In collaboration with England Rugby, the project is designed to increase participation in the game by people from traditionally underrepresented groups.
To find out more about Sale Sharks’ Project Rugby programme click here
