Stonyhurst was delighted to welcome Sale Sharks Junior Academy for a five-day residential as part of the clubs’ Academy pre-season programme. Approximately seventy U16 & U17 players attended the College last week, including one of Stonyhurst’s own pupils, Daniel. Daniel is part of the U16 squad and a Stonyhurst Year 11 pupil who has been at the school for over 9 years and was awarded a sports scholarship at age 13.
Daniel said ‘It’s been great to return to school over the summer with my team to train. I live locally to school but have chosen to board as it supports my training commitments at Sale Sharks. As a Sports Scholar at Stonyhurst I have extra opportunities to train, including access to the strength and conditioning gym. I am aiming to be a professional rugby player, and with Sale Sharks and Stonyhurst’s support, I feel I can achieve this.’
Trained by the Sale Sharks’ Academy coaching team, which includes Stonyhurst Rugby Coach and Houseparent Mr Marcus Jackson, the squads used Stonyhurst’s vast range of on and off-pitch facilities to support their programme.
Mr Jackson said ’It was fantastic to see the Academy making use of the very best that Stonyhurst has to offer. The residential stretched and challenged the boys both on and off the pitch and was thoroughly enjoyed by all involved.”
Taking advantage of Stonyhurst’s rugby pitches, multi-gym, swimming pool and boarding facilities, both the U16 and U17 squads engaged in a competitive training programme, featuring on-pitch rugby sessions, combined with strength and conditioning and pool rehabilitation activities, complemented by social time and full use of the boarding facilities on offer. In collaboration with Commando Rugby School, the boys also had the opportunity to experience military-style team-building activities using the College grounds.
Stonyhurst is anticipating a strong upcoming rugby season with a plethora of talent coming through the College system and the scholarship programme available to talented sportsmen. The College teams feature two Sale Sharks Junior Academy players, supported by a strong Sale Sharks Developing Player Programme presence with several Stonyhurst pupils part of this programme.
If you are interested in becoming a Sports Scholar at Stonyhurst, click here to find out more.
