8 October 2019
Salford Red Devils Foundation and Eccles Sixth Form College are proud to reveal an exciting new partnership. This collaboration will see the highly successful Category Player Development Academy run a bespoke programme that will be delivered to our students. Whilst at the academy they will receive the highest quality rugby league coaching representing Salford Red Devils.
The partnership will see two teams entering the college leagues, one in the top tier National League and one in the Northwest Competition. A tailored training and education package will see activities delivered onsite at Eccles Sixth Form College. Students will also take part in sessions and games hosted at the AJ Bell stadium. Here students will get to experience what being a professional rugby league player is really like.
Principal of Eccles Sixth Form College, Rebecca Parks commented: “We are delighted to form this partnership with Salford Red Devils Foundation as it will provide an unrivalled academic pathway to elite level rugby for the City of Salford and beyond. We take great pride in our students’ successes and look forward to a successful future with the Salford Red Devils Foundation.”
Foundation Manager, Neil Blackburn explained: “Our youth development has a major focus on ensuring that all our players have access to an outstanding education. Teaming up with a college that has provided educational excellence for over 45 years is a major bonus. This year represents the start of a new reserve team at Salford Red Devils. We believe that this new partnership will play an integral role in creating a tangible pathway to professionalism for our students. In addition to playing opportunities, we want to offer players optional career pathways in education or apprenticeships. Eccles Sixth Form College will be a strong partner for the club in supporting these opportunities.”
The partnership will bring a multitude of exciting opportunities to the college. Students at Eccles Sixth Form College were visited by the Super League trophy, to celebrate the good news that the team are off to the super league grand final.
Eccles Sixth Form College offers an extensive range of vocational subjects, a wealth of enrichment activities, specialised careers advice and a comprehensive programme of support and personal development so that all students can flourish both academically and as individuals.
Head of Sport and Uniformed Services, Steve Settle added: “Our Sport and Public Services Department is renowned for its expert industry links including partnerships with Manchester United Foundation, The British Army, GMP and adding Salford Red Devils Foundation only enhances our offer even more.”
If you would like to find out more about studying at Eccles Sixth Form College, click here visit our open days. Alternatively, you contact them on 0161 631 5000 or email enquiries@salfordcc.ac.uk. 