England and Saracens winger Chris Ashton has set up is own rugby academy, hoping to act as a mentor for the next generation of stars.
The 26-year-old has teamed up with Virtual Learning UK, launching a two-year scholarship for 16 to 18-year-olds, combining education with the sport.
And Ashton feels the academy, which will require applicants to have five GCSE grades A to C, will give youngsters a chance to progress, by working closely with an England international.
He said: “Hopefully I can channel my experience and status perhaps for the right reasons, to help other people come through.
“I hope to have the input and influence to help youngsters stride forward. They have a chance to be coached to a good standard and maybe get into full-time rugby, and if not take that forward, then hopefully go to University.”
The Chris Ashton Academy does not demand any specific selective rugby criteria, with a variety of talents expected to take part.
The speedy winger accepts that he did not value his education and only stayed on at school, because of the impact his parents had.
Ashton, who is part of Stuart Lancaster’s squad for their Autumn internationals continued: “In a lot of ways, I only finished school because of my mum.
“She was forcing me to go to exams and things. But looking back now, I am pleased I did it.
“I didn’t really attend college by the end of it, it was just something I fobbed off because I wanted to go and play rugby.
“I think my attendance was something like 23 per cent. I was very fortunate to make the grade at Wigan but for a lot of my friends in the academy it didn’t happen.
“This is the perfect chance to combine both education and learning a trade, and hopefully allow young people to keep their options open.”
The free courses will be set up at a host of centres nationwide, including North and South London, North Yorkshire and Halifax, with more locations expected to be included for the second year of the academy.
Article source: http://www.skysports.com/rugbyunion/match_preview/0,,11069_62475_1,00.html
England winger Chris Ashton sets up his own rugby academy to develop the ...
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