Leicester Tigers academy and AASE development players were put through their paces at Brooksby Melton College during the half-term break.

The training sessions took advantage of the college’s impressive facilities which include full-size pitches, multi-functional sports hall, a sport science lab and a strength and conditioning gym.

The Tigers team recently qualified in the top half of the Achieving Academic and Sporting Excellence (AASE) League, setting up a semi-final play-off, while the academy head into December’s fixtures on the back of a successful start to the new campaign.

The day at Brooksby also welcomed players and parents from the club’s Development Player Pathway programmes who were invited to find out more about Tigers youth development and BMC’s higher education courses. 

Tigers academy manager Dave Wilkes said: “As this week falls in half-term across different counties, we’ve invited players that are in college to come along and train with our academy. 

“The AASE team helps prepare players for the step up to the academy and so far the squad have got better and better. The play-offs for the AASE finals give us another chance to play against the best young players in the north of England and see how much we’ve kicked on.

“Our academy boys have integrated well and we’ve had some great games so far this season. We had James Whitcomb, George Martin and Andre Dunn join up with the recent England rugby camp which was a great experience for them, but there’s lots more behind them who are playing well week in, week out.”

Tigers and BMC this year introduced new courses for students to gain qualifications in sports science alongside their professional rugby development on the pitch.

Courses at the college include a Level 3 programme in sport for students aged 16-18, as well as a new sports-based foundation degree or a three-year degree programme for students aged 18-21.

For more information on Brooksby Melton College email [email protected] or contact Tigers rugby development officer Steven Baker at [email protected] or on 0116 217 1311.