The Scholarship is a high level player development environment which mirrors the scholarship environment at a Super League club. A maximum of 24 players at each age group (Under 15 and Under 16) are selected for the programme which trains twice per week between September and August at Gateshead International Stadium (Monday & Thursday evenings 6.30pm to 8.30pm).

The Scholarship plays 6 fixtures per year against other clubs and regional academies, giving the players an opportunity to measure themselves against some of the best players in their age group.

Players receive monitored coaching aimed at improving technical and tactical knowledge and core skills. Strength and conditioning is also an integral part of the programme with players working on movement skills and core strength, essential attributes for Rugby League, delivered by a mixture of professional and volunteer coaching staff.

HOW DO PLAYERS ACCESS THE SCHOLARSHIP?

Players will be approached to join Scholarship after being observed in their Community Club environment or identified from the Regional Player Development Centre, Service Area or related Programmes.

Players may be first given a trial period before being offered a formal place on the scholarship to test their abilities and aptitude are up to standard. 

The demands on Scholarship players are high and as such careful consideration should be made by both the Scholarship Manager and the Player and Families before commiting to a place.