A BRADFORD academy trust has announced a new partnership with Rugby League Cares (RL Cares) to help players make a successful transition into new careers once their playing days are over.

Part of the scheme has seen two England rugby league players take on support staff roles at Carlton Bolling to develop their professional careers while still playing the game.

The new partnership will see RL Cares and Carlton Academy Trust (CAT) work together to offer advice and guidance to players wanting to pursue careers in education; work placements and taster opportunities for players; mentoring from executive leaders within the trust and access to employment opportunities.

Current England rugby league internationals Shona Hoyle and Kelsey Gentles have both started support staff roles at Carlton Bolling and are already having a significant impact on the lives of the young people they work with.

Shona, who played for England Women in the Rugby League World Cup, said: “I’m very grateful to CAT and RL Cares for this amazing opportunity.

“RL Cares and CAT worked closely with RFL’s Head of Women’s Pathway, Stuart Barrow to identify players with an interest in working in education.

"After meeting with Jon Skurr and the team from CAT I knew I had an amazing opportunity that would allow me to develop my professional career alongside my playing career with St Helens and England.”

York City Knights star Gentles missed out on World Cup selection after suffering a knee injury earlier in the season. She is currently commentating on both the men’s and women’s tournaments for the BBC.

Kelsey said: “I knew that I wanted to work in schools and was working in a pupil referral unit whilst completing my degree.

"After meeting with CAT, I knew they would support me both on and off the field.”

CAT Executive Headteacher Jon Skurr said: “This unique partnership has enabled us to target people with the exact skills that we need to thrive in education.

"Rugby League Cares has a fantastic welfare programme that carefully identifies players who would thrive in education.

“We then put an enhanced support programme around them to support their rapid development to reach their full potential.”

Francis Stephenson, RL Cares Transition Manager, said: “Throughout their playing careers, players are immersed in an environment where structure, discipline and the importance of teamwork are critical."

"The skills they learn as athletes are both valuable and transferrable and it is fantastic to see players like Shona, Kelsey and Paul thrive within the Carlton Academy Trust.”

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