Four future rugby league stars have achieved the perfect balance between study and sport thanks to a unique partnership between Wigan Warriors RLFC and Winstanley College.

Alex Bolton, Ollie Partington, James Barran and Samuel Adejumo all play for the Wigan Warriors Under 19s team and have hopes to go on to play for the professional team in the near future.

After leaving school last year, the lads were keen to continue their studies and achieve A-level qualifications, alongside playing for the prestigious club. Winstanley’s Professional Pathway in Rugby League was the perfect solution, since a specially designed timetable allows for lessons and study to fit in around busy training schedules.

The four talented players, all 17, are each studying for three A-levels and will take their final exams in summer 2017.

Securing these qualifications will give them the option of going on to university, which was an important consideration for James, who is studying Human Biology, Psychology and PE. He said: “I think it is really important to give yourself options for the future and although it is hard work both training and coming to college, I know it will be worth it in the long run.”

Oliver added, “the College is really supportive and my personal tutor is always asking me about how training is going and what games we have coming up. I would say to other young sports people who are leaving school that it is possible to balance play, training and study. All it takes is a bit of determination and supportive learning environment.”