THREE Manchester organisations have joined forces to form the ‘Manchester Rangers academy’ for rugby league stars of the future.

Manchester Rangers, The Manchester College and Manchester Metropolitan University have created the academy, which will see all three organisations working together to create an education and playing pathway.

Students will spend a minimum of five years involved with the programme; including direct involvement with the club, college, and university.

The partnership, which the club states is ‘the first of its kind in the UK’, sees all three organisations combined to provide coaching on the pitch, and education off it.

Manchester Rugby League Academy will be open to 16-19-Year old students, who will earn qualifications alongside high quality coaching with Manchester Rangers RLFC.

Manchester Rangers
Credit: Manchester Rangers

Club chairman Phil Fitton (Centre) is delighted with the announcement, saying: “We have worked extremely hard on building individual relationships with both The Manchester College and Manchester Metropolitan University over the last couple of years and this partnership now ties these relationships up perfectly.

“Our ambition is to provide the players that are involved with the Academy a solid platform to go on to achieve great successes in both their sporting and personal lives.”

Assistant principal Barry Atkins was also pleased with the announcement: “This programme is unique and will provide an excellent platform for participants to achieve their sporting and educational ambitions.”  

Students will have access to training daily on Rugby League specific elements, strength and conditioning.

Those that complete the level three course will also have the chance to attend a course at Manchester Metropolitan University which include (but not limited to); Coaching and Sports Development, Sport and Exercise Science, and Sports Management.

The club also hopes that the new academy will allow rugby league to flourish in the city once again, as well as offering students a direct pathway into the semi-professional & professional game.

Manchester Rangers academy will be hosting an open evening for students and parents on January 23, 2017.

For more information please contact Matt Valentine via e-mail (matt.valentine@manchesterrangers.co.uk)

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