For young players like Gerry, Sale Sharks Foundation’s Rugby Development Camps are about much more than playing and learning the game. They’re a place to build confidence, develop skills and feel part of a supportive team environment. Through high-quality coaching and a focus on personal growth, our camps are helping young people across the North West grow on and off the pitch, creating positive experiences and lasting impact.
Gerry is a young player from Birkenhead Park who regularly attends our Foundation camps and is a passionate supporter of both the Sharks men’s and women’s teams. Living with autism and ADHD, the structured nature of our sessions – with clear routines, consistent expectations and thoughtful delivery – helps him feel comfortable and confident.
Sale Sharks Foundation coaches and women’s players Laura Perrin and Holly Thorpe, in particular, have supported Gerry by adapting sessions, explaining activities in ways he understands and offering reassurance when needed. This approach has helped him not only improve his rugby skills but also grow in confidence away from the pitch.
Over the past two seasons, Gerry has thrived through the combined support of our Foundation team and his club coaches. He has also built friendships with young players from different clubs, strengthening his sense of belonging and showing the true value of inclusive sport.
Gerry’s parents have seen the impact first-hand:
“Your camps work brilliantly for Gerry,” they said. “It’s difficult as parents of Gerry with his needs to feel comfortable leaving him somewhere. Until September when he began accessing a specialist education setting, we were receiving a phone call a day about multiple incidents, Gerry not being able to access the classroom. He was riddled in anxiety. You guys alleviate all those worries. He goes in happy and comes out happy.
“Even the social side, that’s a great struggle for Gerry, works well at the camps. He comes away every time speaking fondly of other children he’s got to know whilst there. We went to a festival a few weeks back, and it was great seeing other kids from other teams recognise him and seeing the rapport they’d built with him at your camps.”
Gerry’s journey reflects the impact that the right support, encouragement and environment can have on a young person. With space to grow, trusted coaches and role models around him, plus opportunities to connect with others, he has been able to enjoy rugby in a way that works for him and celebrate real progress along the way.
“I love getting to learn new skills and improving skills at the camps, I really enjoy developing my conversion kicking,” Gerry said. “The coaches at camp explain the exercises in a way I understand. I really enjoy being coached by Holly and Pez because when I go to watch them play for the women’s team, they put into action what they have coached me. My advice to anyone thinking about trying rugby for the first time is, try your best and don’t give up!”
Gerry’s story shows what it truly means to Level the Field – breaking down barriers, creating inclusive environments and helping every young person feel they belong. That’s why Sale Sharks Foundation is driving lasting change across the North West.
To learn more about Sale Sharks Foundation, click here.
