Panthers’ partnership with college receives RFL accreditation

The partnership between Calderdale College and Halifax Panthers Academy has been given Dual Development Academy status by the RFL, making Calderdale one of only nine colleges in the country to have the accreditation.

The Dual Development Academy status means that the Halifax Panthers Academy is now open to both women and men looking to pursue the sport and offering a clear pathway into the senior set ups.

The academy has recently benefited from a grant from the Rugby League World Cup CreatedBy programme for equipment and playing kits and former professional rugby league player Paul Sculthorpe MBE made the delivery to the college before Christmas.

Andy Holleyhead, Rugby Development Officer at Calderdale College, said: “It’s a challenging but exciting year for the Halifax Panthers Rugby Academy, where we are collectively working towards excellence in skills training both on and off the pitch.

“The variety of course options available at the College has enabled students to have a more focused trajectory to employment, so we are finding students are more engaged and making the most of all college opportunities.”

Panthers head coach Simon Grix said: “The rugby academy provides an excellent pathway for late developers into the professional game. With a high standard of on-field coaching and physical development, college performance is monitored closely with the hope of unearthing the next rugby star.”

As the only college in West Yorkshire offering a trade pathway, the College is already ahead of many when it comes to sport.

Alongside their training and matches, students can choose from a wide range of trade qualifications.

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