Norton College is set to become the first in the region to be accredited by the Rugby Football Union.

The Langton Road centre will become a Rugby Academy in September allowing students to study while also enjoying six to eight hours of specific rugby training every week.

Rugby is buoyant in the Ryedale area with Malton & Norton RUFC having just gained promotion to North One East after becoming Yorkshire One champions.

Although the college is not a rugby specialist school, chiefs say the dedication of several of its students who play at The Gannock has shown huge commitment.

The sixth form, in turn, introduced the sport during this academic year and is now in line to be the first rugby academy accredited with the RFU in the district.

The opportunity will give gifted and keen rugby players the opportunity to gain scholarships to universities and help to fund their tuition fees.

It will also open more possibilities to play abroad.

Jonathan Newton, curriculum leader for PE and sport, said: “This move to become a rugby academy is something the sports team has been working on for more than a year and is something which is very exciting for the area.”

Newton also added it would allow students to link the academic rigours of the college’s BTEC Sport and A-Level courses with an opportunity to develop their performance in rugby.

Students will be able to play rugby alongside studying modules such as sports massage, sports rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, psychology and sports nutrition.

The academy will also allow them to develop coaching and refereeing qualifications as well as gaining experience of coaching within the community. Head teacher Philip Loftus added: “This is an amazing opportunity for the school to continue its community links and invest in something which is both popular within the area and which the students are passionate about.”