SAINTS have teamed up with Edge Hill University to provide students with an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience working for a professional sports club.

The University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences launched an official partnership with the Super League champions and Challenge Cup holders that will see students have access to a range of opportunities to work with the club and its players.

Mark Allanson, pro vice-chancellor (external relations) at Edge Hill University, said: “Providing our students with access to high-quality placement opportunities is a vital part of their university experience, helping them to stand out to employers, gain new skills and put their knowledge into practice.

“We have a strong partnership with St Helens R.F.C and this develops our collaboration further by offering our students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the operations of a top-flight rugby league club.

"It’s an incredibly exciting partnership and we’re looking forward to working closely with the club to develop new learning experiences for our students.”

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In addition to Sports projects, Creative Arts students were behind-the-scenes for the Saints players’ recent photoshoot for its 2021/2022 kit launch, which took place on Edge Hill’s campus in Creative Edge’s state-of-the-art TV studios.

Students have also been involved in the development of the club’s digital newsletter.

The Employability, Enterprise, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (E3i) department and the Work-Related Learning team at Edge Hill have worked closely with Saints CEO, Mike Rush, to develop a cross-disciplinary partnership between the University and the club.

Mr Rush, who also went to Edge Hill University as a student, added: “Being a former student here, Edge Hill University is a place I hold close to my heart. St Helens R.F.C. is the closest professional sports club to the University in terms of distance and so this partnership makes complete sense for both parties.

“Students can gain real life experience working with various departments within a champion club, whilst we are also thankful that Edge Hill can help us in providing students eager and keen to take on work with us.

"We know that it is very likely that the next wave of staff we employ at the Club will graduate from Edge Hill University so to immerse them in this real-life working environment can only be of benefit.”