The Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence

In addition to our extensive rugby programmes, we encourage EPDG and the Academy players to study alongside training. Players are selected by Sale Sharks Academy to study the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) NVQ course.

The AASE is a formal qualification that has been supported by the RFU and Sale Sharks which takes two years to complete. The AASE programme must be taken in addition to full time the National Diploma in Sports Studies at Myerscough College (www.myerscough.ac.uk), Preston.

This qualification supplements the work that is done at Sale Sharks training ground to prepare young players for a career at the highest level in rugby from the age of 16 and is based upon two elements of education and rugby development.

Sale Sharks Assistant Academy Manager, Phil Leck said, "The course has proved successful in producing well skilled and informed rugby players whilst providing other opportunities within the sporting industry. It also provides a high level playing programme in the AASE league where each professional club’s Academy college compete."

What is the course about?

The AASE programme offers you the chance to train at an elite level with Sale Sharks Academy coaching staff whilst attending Myerscough College to gain a relevant academic qualification. The college will work in partnership with Sale Sharks Academy to deliver the NVQ in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance. The player will join our training and development programme to gain valuable experience in tactics, techniques and the performance of professional rugby.

The player will spend his time in college studying the National Diploma in Sports Studies alongside the NVQ in Sporting Excellence.

Who is the course for and am I qualified to join it?

The AASE is targeted at 16-18 year olds who have the potential to compete at a high level in Rugby Union.

Candidates are selected by Sale Sharks Academy from trials or from participation in EPDG or SOR.

Normal academic entry requirements for a Level 3 programme are 5 GCSEs at C grade or above.

What will the course cover?

The NVQ will develop your skills in eight key areas of rugby development:

  • Plan, develop and apply players' technical skills
  • Plan, develop and apply players' tactical skills
  • Plan and develop players'physical conditioning
  • Develop the attitudes and mental skills necessary for excellent performance
  • Plan and manage players own lifestyle
  • Plan and manage players career
  • Communicate and work effectively with others
  • Maintain the health and safety of himself and others

What will I be able to do as a result of the course?

When the player completes the AASE programme, the player will have learnt how to conduct himself as a professional athlete. The player will understand how to manage his career, lifestyle and mental attitude. The player’s rugby skills will have been developed to a high standard and he will understand how to apply technical and tactical skills to a game.

How will I know I’m progressing and how is the course assessed?

It is the tutor/assessor’s role to assess the player's competence directly, they must be sure that the player has met and shown evidence for all performance, knowledge and evidence requirements. When the player's assessor is satisfied that you have met all the requirements for a unit, they will confirm this by signing the evidence record sheet for that unit to show that the process is complete.

The player's assessor will need to agree on a number of issues with him including: finding the best source of evidence to use for particular units, finding the best way of assessing the player and confirming the best times, dates and places for his assessments to take place.

Will I have a chance to give my views on the course?

The player will have constant contact with his assessor throughout the course. In addition, quarterly reviews with his assessor and workplace supervisor will give the player the opportunity to provide feedback on any aspect of the course. There will also be an opportunity to evaluate his course at the end.

What could the course lead to?

As candidates on the AASE combine full time academic studies and work based qualifications with practical rugby training, there are several possibilities the course can lead to. Sale Sharks Academy may consider the player for a professional contract if we feel you are talented enough, or the player can combine the two and consider continuing his education at university.

How do I join the course?

Applicants must be referred to the AASE programme by Sale Sharks Academy, which has the final decision on selection for the AASE programme. Our Academy Manager will then contact the college to arrange a formal interview.

Which players have taken this course before?

Sale Sharks' scrum half Chris Leck and Will Cliff have taken the AASE NVQ course with Sale Sharks, as well as the Jets' prop Lee Imiolek and centre Tom Brady.

Please note that players do not need to be an England Academy Student to be invited onto the AASE scheme however the AASE inclusion is by invitation from Sale Sharks' Academy only.

For more information on Sale Sharks Academy please email academy@salesharks.com or call 0161 962 9687
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