ALDER Grange are celebrating a link up with the Rugby Football Union which will boost their rugby profile.

The Community and Technology school already have strong links with Rossendale RUFC and they have become part of the ‘RFU All Schools’ scheme.

This is a three-year agreement which will see the Calder Road school given equipment, their staff will be given rugby training and mentoring and they will also have coaches coming in to the school from the RFU.

“It’s massive for Alder Grange,” said Adam Good, Acting Assistant Head Teacher.

“We work closely with Rossendale Rugby Club as a school already and this has helped us to gain access to RFU funding ahead of the World Cup in 2015.

“Over the three years, it means we will have access to training from the RFU as well as our staff receiving expert tuition.

“We will also get a kit and one of the nice parts is that some of our non-playing students in the arts department will design a rugby kit for the school and clothing company Canterbury will make it up – which means everyone can be involved.”

The school already boast some strong rugby players – a large number of Alder Grange students play for Rossendale RUFC Under 14s who recently triumphed at this year’s prestigious Aldwinians tournament.