Host families sought for ‘ACE’ players
Host families are being sought for players in Newcastle Falcons’ ACE scheme, which is based at Gosforth Academy.
Hosts would have a player or players living with them from Monday to Friday during term time, with ACE participants all being boys aged between 16 and 18.
Families will be paid for providing meals and accommodation, and should be based within either walking or public transport distance from Gosforth Academy (NE3 2JH).
Newcastle Falcons academy manager Mark Laycock said: “The ACE scheme has ran successfully for a number of years now, and our network of host families are an integral part of its success for the boys who are from further afield in Cumbria, or parts of Northumberland and County Durham which are further away from the school.
“We’ve had players come through the ACE programme who have gone on to play for England like Jamie Blamire and Callum Chick, and playing over 100 games for Newcastle Falcons first team like George McGuigan, to name just a few.
“Someone might have a spare room or had kids go away to university, or might just want to support a young rugby player on their way through the system. Everybody’s circumstances are different, and we would come to vet the property as well as giving families the chance to meet the young player who might be lodging with them.
“It’s a well-established scheme with a good network of host families, and if anybody would wish to talk about getting involved we’d be more than happy to have a conversation to discuss any aspect of how it works.
“In the first instance any interested parties are encouraged to email our scheme co-ordinator Lawrence Patton on lawrence.patton@ga.newcastle.sch.uk , and we can take it from there.
“It’s a great way to earn some extra income while making a real difference for a promising young rugby player, and we look forward to hearing from people.”
