THREE members from Warrington Wolves Education Academy (WWEA) at Warrington Collegiate visited Australia forging links with some of the most prestigious Rugby League Academy schools and National Rugby League clubs in the world.
The trip aimed to develop the WWEA courses as the number one academic Rugby League course in the North West.
Steve McCormack, Lecturer in Rugby League, WWEA, and current Scotland Rugby League Head Coach, and former Warrington Wolves player Liam Bretherton, Course Leader and Lecturer, WWEA, were joined by Curriculum Manager for Sport and Leisure, Graham Murphy in the successful 14 day trip.
The trip involved visits to some of the top clubs in the country, Gold Coast Titans, Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters to observe and share good practice. Steve was delighted to meet up again with John Cartwright, Coach of Gold Coast Titans, who he knows well from their time together at Salford Red Devils.
McCormack said: “As well as setting up partnership schools I’ve been able to link up with John Cartright, Head Coach at Gold Coast Titans, and spend time with Ivan Cleary, Coach at the Panthers and Scotland half back, Peter Wallace, providing some exceptional examples of good practice to share at WWEA.
“The college is already very successful and we want to take the Rugby experience for the students to the next level. We have some of the best sports facilities I’ve seen in a college so we have a lot to offer in an international exchange.”
The three man team also visited Coombahbah State School, Palm Beach, Curumbin State High and Patrician Brothers College and Keebra High school which has produced many NRL and international greats. A study exchange and tour for student athletes has now been set up between the two countries. The students will also enjoy regular video conferencing opportunities to share best practice and provide a unique educational opportunity for the WWEA at Warrington Collegiate.
Graham said: “As a sports Faculty we are always looking to enrich the student experience. This trip has provided a wide variety of opportunities for our students to engage with Rugby League at the elite level. By developing a number of partnership schools in Australia we aim to make study visits between the two countries a valuable and unique feature of courses at WWEA.”
Liam added: “WWEA is already a leader in the Rugby League academy sector. The new links will now provide continuous professional development for the staff as well as providing our students with outstanding education and opportunities putting us in a league of our own among academic institutions.”
Pictured: Liam Bretherton, Graham Murphy and Steve McCormack Down Under.
College forges rugby league links Down Under
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
