Sharks announce Ashton on Mersey School partnership

Sale Sharks are delighted to announce a new partnership with Ashton on Mersey School’s Sixth Form which will see the club’s Academy offer students the chance to train for a career in rugby alongside their A-Level or BTEC studies. 

Sharks Academy staff will work closely with the Sale school to provide elite coaching, strength and conditioning, player development, and academic support, ensuring that aspiring young athletes receive the best possible preparation for a successful professional rugby career. 

The new partnership will also provide the school’s sixth form college with a place in the national ACE league, where students can test themselves against other colleges linked to Gallagher Premiership clubs. 

It’s Sharks’ second ACE college, following a similar agreement with Myerscough College, near Preston, which was set up in 2016. 

Ashton on Mersey’s Sixth Form is graded as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and has a reputation for delivering an exceptional quality of education in partnership with sports clubs and their academies. 

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