Sale Sharks have announced an exciting new partnership with Ashton on Mersey School’s Sixth Form, aimed at giving students the unique opportunity to pursue a professional rugby career while continuing their academic studies.
Under the new collaboration, students enrolled in A-Level or BTEC programmes at the Sale-based school will benefit from elite-level rugby coaching and support provided by the Sharks Academy.
The initiative will offer a comprehensive programme, including strength and conditioning training, player development, and academic guidance, ensuring a well-rounded experience both on and off the pitch.
In a major boost to the school’s sporting ambitions, Ashton on Mersey’s Sixth Form will also compete in the prestigious national ACE (Achieving Career Excellence) league – a competition reserved for top sixth form colleges affiliated with Gallagher Premiership clubs.
This marks Sale Sharks’ second ACE partnership, following the successful launch of their programme with Myerscough College near Preston in 2016.
Recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, Ashton on Mersey’s Sixth Form is already renowned for combining academic excellence with elite sports training. The new partnership further cements the school’s reputation as a leading destination for aspiring athletes
This new arrangement is designed to ensure that young players in Cheshire and South Manchester have access to high-quality coaching from a young age, even if they don’t attend a traditional rugby-playing school.
The collaboration will also provide students with access to Sharks’ elite rugby environment, offering unique insights and experiences to support their academic and sporting development progression.
Sharks’ Academy manager Fergus Mulchrone said: “We have fantastic relationships with schools and grassroots clubs right across our region and so many of our first team players have come through our pathways to become established Premiership and international players.
“We have so much talent in our region and this partnership with Ashton on Mersey is all about making sure that every young person who wants to play rugby and pursue a career in the sport has the opportunity to do so.
“We know there are barriers for some young people and collaborations like this, and the Trafford Schools programme, are designed to remove those obstacles and support every young person to follow their dreams alongside excelling in their academic work.
“I’m confident that we’ll see young players come through this programme to wear a Sharks shirt in the future.”
Ashton on Mersey School headteacher Lee McConaghie said: “Our school is renowned for providing a first-class education for elite athletes.
“This partnership will enable talented rugby players to secure the best possible outcomes at a sixth form which has a culture that is both academically aspirational and highly supportive of all its young people.”
To express an interest and to apply for a place at Ashton on Mersey Sixth Form in partnership with Sale Sharks visit: Admissions & Enrolment – Ashton on Mersey School
