Sale Sharks Women have launched a new partnership with Lymm High School aimed at giving young women the chance to combine their academic studies with their rugby training.
The Girls Rugby College Programme will give sixth-form girls access to ten hours of rugby coaching and training a week from Sale Sharks Women coaches, alongside studying for a BTEC.
The programme will officially kick off in September 2023 and will see student teams playing in Association of Colleges (AOC) leagues from September 2025, along with Rosslyn Park National 7s.
Sale Sharks’ Women’s Performance Lead Katy Daley-Mclean said: “We’re committed to growing the women’s game in the north and that means giving young girls the chance to play and train at an elite level.
“Working with Lymm High School means we can help the girls develop academically and personally at the same time so for us, it’s a brilliant programme.
“For the young women involved, it’s an amazing opportunity.”
During their time at Lymm High School, students will work on reaching their academic potential along with developing their rugby skills at an individual level.
They’ll also work on their understanding of the game and learn what it takes to be a professional athlete and perform at the very highest level.
They’ll work with Sale Sharks Women’s coaches on the field and in the gym and get detailed feedback on their performance.
The aim is to develop young women to aspire to play the game at county level and progress to Centre of Excellence (CoE) squads and, ultimately, to play for Sale Sharks Women in the Women’s Premiership.
Lymm High School’s Head of Rugby, Lee Pickles, said: “We are excited to be working with Sale Sharks Women to help develop elite rugby players in the area.
“Whilst pursuing their aspirations of becoming professional rugby players, we will be able to provide them with the highest standard of academic education alongside the opportunity to develop as socially responsible young adults.”
The deadline for applications to start in September 2023, is Thursday 24th August 2023. You can apply here: How to Apply – Lymm High School.
If you would like to discuss the programme or require more information, please email womensrugby@salesharks.com.
