Sale Sharks Ace Programme
At a glance
Students on the Sale Sharks ACE Programme can select either the A level or BTEC pathway. Students will need to participate in rugby trials as well as meet the academic requirements for their chosen subjects.
Why choose the Sale Sharks ACE Programme?
Do you play rugby at a high level? Would you like to pursue your rugby career whilst continuing your academic studies?
The Sale Sharks pathway is a partnership between Ashton on Mersey Sixth Form and Sale Sharks, offering elite rugby training alongside academic studies.
What will you study?
Students enrolled on the Sale Sharks ACE Programme will choose from a selection of A level and BTEC qualifications. Academic courses are timetabled to run alongside rugby commitments, ensuring students meet academic standards while pursuing athletic development.
Students can expect two 2-hour training sessions per week built into the timetable. Sessions include skills development, performance analysis, strength & conditioning and match preparation.
Students gain exposure to Sale Sharks’ professional environment, including training grounds and mentorship from academy coaches.
The team competes in the national ACE League every Wednesday afternoon as part of the enrichment timetable. The ACE League is a national rugby competition for 16–18-year-olds, designed to develop elite young talent through a blend of education and professional-level training. The ACE league features 22 state schools and colleges partnered with Premiership Rugby academies and the RFU’s Yorkshire Academy.
