Last updated at 11:53, Wednesday, 16 December 2009

BARROW’S new secondary school has teamed up with a Super League rugby club.

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Furness Academy has launched a partnership with Wigan Warriors.

Wigan Warriors Community Foundation will support the academy’s Learning Zone curriculum.

Students will learn first-hand how the club’s first team players use sports science in their everyday training regimes and diet, and how they work as a team.

Stars from the squad are set to visit Barrow as part of the programme and arrangements are being made for BTEC PE students to travel to Wigan’s DW Stadium next year.

The scheme was launched yesterday with officers from Wigan Warriors Community Foundation delivering workshops on the importance of teamwork at Furness Academy South Site in West Avenue and at North Site in Thorncliffe Road.

Year Seven students worked with Wigan Warriors Community Foundation manager Mike Watson, who is from Barrow, and community development officer Amanda Wilkinson, who is from Ulverston, on cooperation, communication, encouragement and respect.

Mr Watson said the partnership was formed from Wigan’s good relationship with amateur Furness teams and Barrow Raiders.

He said Wigan Warriors Community Foundation promotes the sport through the club’s brand.

Mr Watson said they were impressed with the students and look forward to developing the programme.

He said: “We are really pleased to be at Furness Academy.

“It’s an exciting new partnership we have launched.

“It’s an opportunity for all the pupils in the school to engage with the activities we have on offer, based around respect and cooperation and how they can use these ideas in their wider studies and in their life.

“Cumbria has such a strong rugby league heritage which we at Wigan are very pleased and proud to be a part of.

“Our community foundation’s commitment to furthering educational opportunities for young people isn’t restricted solely to the Wigan area.”

Furness Academy has specialisms in sport and maths, and academy leaders say working with Wigan can bring academic benefits for students.

Stephen Kelly, director of the Learning Zone for Creativity and Performance, said: “We are delighted with the partnership. It’s an opportunity for students to get a connection with a professional sporting team. It links nicely with our sport specialism and it’s a springboard for us to develop further partnerships, particularly with local teams.” Mr Kelly said the scheme is a three-way collaboration between Furness Academy, Wigan Warriors and Barrow Raiders.

Mr Kelly said the students’ support for the teams is an excellent opportunity to enhance their learning.

He said: “Being able to put into practice all that they learn in the PE, BTEC and Learning Zone programmes will really help our students get the most out of the courses they are studying.”

Mr Kelly said all the students were really excited to work with Wigan.

Jordan Garnett, a student at South Site, took part in the activity.

The 12-year-old, who is a supporter of Wigan and Barrow plays rugby for his school.

He said: “My dad is a Wigan Warriors fan so he’ll be dead pleased for me because he likes rugby and so do I.”

Douglas Blackledge, Furness Academy’s principal, praised the partnership and said: “I am sure working with the Warriors will generate lots of interest and enthusiasm within the academy, and really give our students the opportunity to benefit from seeing their learning being applied in a truly vocational way.”

First published at 12:55, Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk