SAINTS have been awarded Category 1 Academy status following a detailed assessment of their performance and structure.
The club has been rated as ‘outstanding’ in recognition of the excellence of their junior development programmes from age 12 upwards.
Under the accreditation process, clubs are assessed in three key areas:
- Quality of leadership and management – the strategy and vision of the Academy and progress made;
- How well Academies meet the needs of players – the welfare, education and safeguarding that is in place;
- Delivery of player development system – the approaches used to optimise the development of players through to first grade and England.
Saints joined Hull FC, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Widnes Vikings and Wigan Warriors in being rated as outstanding.
Five other clubs – Bradford Bulls, Huddersfield Giants, Hull Kingston Rovers, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Catalans Dragons – were rated as ‘good’ after making significant improvements over the last 12 months.
Castleford Tigers were rated as ‘requires improvement’ but the assessment recognised the strides the club has made since last year.
London Broncos and Salford Red Devils did not reach the required standards for Category 1 standard.
Saints Academy has been rated as outstanding every year since the grading process began.
