Premier Rugby
Sale Sharks in the Community
Jason Robinson in action for Sale Sharks
Empics
All rugby clubs want to bring variety and expertise into their training schedules and requests arrive daily at Sale Sharks’ Edgeley Park asking for players to visit clubs across the region to encourage youngsters there. Players want to put something back into their community but the requirement to be in absolute peak condition both physically and mentally to compete effectively in the Premiership means that sending them out to clubs does not fit neatly with those demands neatly. Player appearances became something of a lottery. With Sale Sharks’ responsibility to support Community rugby stretching from Shropshire up to the Lake District, the idea of Sharks accreditation was born. Clubs investing in their own future and encouraging volunteers to develop themselves and their young players would be invited to request formal accreditation. In return, Sale Sharks would guarantee them up to three appearances and coaching sessions at the club, invite them along to visit Carrington, and allow them to wear the Sharks logo on their rugby kit. Sharkmark is designed to encourage a more professional approach at 16-18 yr old level. It includes nutrition and fitness instruction, coach education, and individual player development plans audited periodically by the Sharks community staff. Sharkmarked clubs to date include, University of Manchester RUFC, Liverpool University RUFC, William Hulme’s Grammar School, Aspatria RUFC, and Anselmians RUFC through their youth development programme “The Saints Academy”. There are further clubs and schools in the pipeline. If you think that your club/school would benefit from wearing the Shark then contact Chris Chudleigh at chris.chudleigh@salesharks.co.uk.
