In what is arguably the greatest breakthrough for Rugby League in the South of England since the original All Golds arrived in Regency Cheltenham in 1908 for The Great Match of the Edwardian Period
Initially set to compete in BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) at Higher Education (Men’s) from Autumn 2021, the Academy will carry the All Golds’ name and colours.
The SGS Academy is a unique opportunity for talented athletes from all disciplines to thrive in the skilful and athletic sport of Rugby League.
The aim of the new SGS Bristol Rugby League Academy is to develop players to excel, not only within the (BUCS) Leagues, but to nurture that talent to become capable of playing in Super League and representing the Home Nations on the International stage.
Alex Gaiger, who is Head of Faculty – Sport and Enrichment, at SGS is really enthusiastic about the project and says,
“SGS Sport is renowned for developing progression pathways for aspiring athletes.This exciting new partnership with Bristol All Golds will create a dual pathway for students, combining Higher Education studies whilst training and competing within a top-level rugby league team.”
As part of the All Golds’ stated aim of ‘Primary to Professional’ the link with SGS is according to Joe David, the club’s Chief Executive Officer,
“the biggest and most substantive piece in the player pathway jigsaw.”
The SGS Rugby League Academy Programme will be delivered by hugely experienced and highly qualified Bristol All Golds’ Non-Executive Directors, Danny Wilson (England Youth Head Coach and a Rugby Football League Coach Educator) and Rob Nickolay (Lead Tutor and Lecturer for the Rugby Football League National Coach Education Programme).
Danny Wilson added,
“SGS academies are proven to produce top line athletic and academic success. For those wanting to combine higher education with elite rugby league development, whilst living in a thriving City, this programme is the perfect fit. Visit the website https://www.sgscol.ac.
uk/all-golds for all the details of what will be on offer and how to get involved or email me at danny.wilson@allgoldsrugby. co.uk ”
“The partnership between Bristol All Golds and SGS College, who have a national reputation for developing athletes in a wide variety of sports, to establish an HE Rugby League Academy is a very exciting prospect which the RFL fully support. The SGS Bristol Academy All Golds has the potential to become a hub of player development opening up a new cohort of athletes to progress within the RL Educational Pathways, Bristol All Golds and with the knowledge and support of both organisations to Super League and the International Game.”
