YOUNG sportsmen are trying their hand at rugby – with the help of the professionals.

Sale Sharks has teamed up with Eden Boys’ School in Bolton to deliver a special coaching programme.

Community coaches from the only Premiership rugby union club in the North West will run training sessions over 12 weeks with 14 and 15-year-olds from the school.

The coaching forms part of a broader programme for Premiership Rugby, funded by England Rugby, which will see Sale Sharks work with groups from a variety of different backgrounds.

It also comes after printing firm Printerland, a community partner of Sale Sharks, invited pupils and teachers from the school in Halliwell to a recent match.

Jonny Acheson, head of Sale Sharks Community Trust, said: “Eden Boys’ School offers a high quality sports provision for its pupils, but currently doesn’t have any rugby activity. As part of this exciting 12-week programme, we are looking to introduce youngsters to the sport. We will also be holding a weekly session at Bolton Rugby Club, where the youngsters will be welcomed to continue playing the sport.”

Eden Boys’ School is a faith-based secondary that opened in September, 2014 and now has more than 380 students.

Shabir Fazal, headteacher, said: “The partnership with Sale Sharks and Bolton RUFC is a perfect match for us. Our boys love the idea of trying something new and breaking down barriers. Watching Sale Sharks on a freezing Friday evening was just fabulous. It was really cold, but the boys loved it.”