What St Austell RFC’s new Cornwall College deal means for students

Pull on a pair of boots at your hometown club and it can open more doors than you might expect. In St Austell, the rugby ground is about to become a place where students learn on the job, coaches get trained and young players see a route forward without having to move away.

Cornwall College St Austell and St Austell Rugby Football Club (RFC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Saturday (17 October), setting up a strategic partnership built around student opportunities, workforce development and local skills and employment pathways.

📷The partnership agreement between Cornwall College St Austell and St Austell RFC being signed. Credit: Cornwall College

What the partnership covers

The two will explore training and qualifications for the club, its workforce and its volunteers, including first aid training. Rugby development is on the list too, along with inter-college competition, the use of sporting equipment and the club’s growing women’s and girls’ pathway.

Students will get the chance to pick up practical experience through work experience, placements, live briefs and volunteering, building confidence and putting what they learn into practice in a community sporting setting.

“This partnership is about creating opportunities for our students while strengthening our links with the community we serve,” said Laetitia Mayne, Head of Cornwall College St Austell.

“Working with St Austell RFC will give our students access to facilities and practical experiences that complement their studies, while the college can support the club and its staff through continuing professional development and training,” Laetitia added.

What the club gets out of it

For St Austell RFC, the deal is a way to connect with the next generation of students, support the development of its workforce and strengthen its role in the town.

“This partnership with Cornwall College Group has the potential to create some exciting opportunities for St Austell Rugby Club, students and the wider community. By bringing together the college’s skills and young talent with the facilities, activities and community reach of the rugby club, we can create practical experiences that benefit everyone,” said Shane Sullivan of the club’s Executive Committee.

“We see real potential to work together across training, work experience, sport, hospitality, media, events and community activity, building a relationship that can grow and create new opportunities for local people,” Shane said.

“We’re excited about what this partnership could become. By working together and developing new ideas, we believe we can create real and lasting value for students, members and community alike.”

📷St Austell RFC players in action. Credit: Cornwall College

Keeping young players at home

Matthew Shepherd, Head of Rugby at Cornwall College, said: “I’ve seen first-hand the value a strong community rugby club can bring to a town, and I’m pleased to see Cornwall College and St Austell RFC working more closely together.

“This partnership will help develop local Cornish players and coaches, while creating academy opportunities for young people who want to develop their rugby careers without leaving the community they call home.”

Details of courses on offer are on the Cornwall College website.

📷Representatives of St Austell RFC and Cornwall College at the club's ground. Credit: Cornwall College