Gloucester Rugby launches Academy Squad work readiness initiative

Gloucester Rugby is teaming up with Cheltenham-based national recruitment business Adjacency to launch an initiative that will see member’s of the club’s Academy squad take part in work experience and benefit from job interview skills training and careers counselling.

The club places huge importance on developing the individuals in its Academy. Gloucester’s Academy is one of the most highly regarded in the sport, producing many Gloucester stars including England’s Jonny May and Lewis Ludlow and even some that have gone on to make their career elsewhere like Bath and England Player, Sam Underhill.

The aim is for the Academy players to be given the opportunity to engage in work experience.

As well as work experience, participants will receive ‘one on one’ interviews and career counselling, to understand and appreciate the value of their non rugby skills and qualities.

Academy players will be offered a tailored opportunity to develop their personal skillsets and gain valuable experience, which will help them as individuals, and successful team players.

As part of the new arrangement Adjacency will also be the main sponsor on Gloucester Rugby’s European shirt.

Gloucester’s Director of Academy and Player Development, Carl Hogg, said: “We genuinely believe ‘better people’ make better players. We are delighted to present our younger players with the opportunity to develop their personal skills through work experience and career counselling. It is important to produce well rounded individuals who can adapt and learn to balance rugby with other commitments.

“It is incredibly valuable for the players to have interests, either vocational or academic, away from rugby. We believe if we invest in the person not just the player, we will produce a more consistent and balanced individual, incorporating the values that represent Gloucester Rugby. This will also assist players with a smooth transition into the world after rugby, whenever that might be.”

Miles Greenslade of Adjacency added: “We are delighted to be facilitating this initiative for the Academy, and proud to become a commercial recruitment partner to Gloucester Rugby. Whilst our underlying business influences the livelihoods of people and impacts the success of businesses, this progressive initiative is as much a social responsibility to these younger individuals, who to-date have been fully focussed on reaching the top in their chosen sport. The program will provide them with an awareness of life after sport, providing a sound insight into what they can expect in an office or industrial environment.

Joe Graham of Adjacency said: “Clients are often seeking highly motivated team players, and from what we have witnessed already, this is certainly embedded in these youngsters. The academy players offer unique skillsets gained on the pitch and training ground, and we will ensure we match their aspirations and interests with the appropriate organisation. Preparing potential stars of the future for a life outside of professional sport is a crucial program with often less than 15% of players progressing to first team level, and Adjacency is privileged to be a part of it”.

“We anticipate opportunities will come from existing partners of Gloucester Rugby and will also include organisations from within the Adjacency network. We look forward to strengthening our bond with the Gloucestershire community as our young players contribute to the local economy” concluded Miles.