By Coventry Rugby 
The partnership between Coventry Rugby and The Futures Trust is dedicated to providing young people in the local community with the best opportunities to excel both academically and in sport. As part of this collaboration, students have the chance to develop their skills both on and off the field. One such success story is Cameron Sparkes, a current student on the programme, who recently made his debut for Coventry Rugby U17s Academy. Read below to see what The Futures Trust has to say about this exciting partnership.
At The Futures Trust, we believe in breaking down barriers and unlocking the potential of every student. That’s why we’ve partnered with Coventry Rugby to create an elite-level rugby academy embedded in state school education. Our vision is bold: to replicate the rugby programmes found in some of Britain’s most prestigious private schools- but make them accessible to all our students, rather than a privileged few.
Research shows there is a huge, untapped market for rugby talent in schools without a strong rugby tradition, among young people inspired by greater exposure to professional sport, and in communities where access to elite-level sport has been limited. Our programme is designed to bridge this gap, opening doors for those who may never have had the chance to step onto the pitch.
The response to the pathway has been phenomenal. The programme has already received a number of applicants for September 2025, and these players will be competing in an exciting fixture list featuring some of rugby’s best-known schools and institutions.
A Pathway to Professional Rugby
This initiative provides ambitious young rugby players with a direct route into professional rugby while pursuing top-tier education. Post-16 students studying across any of our Coventry secondary schools – Barr’s Hill, Coundon Court, President Kennedy, and Stoke Park – can access the programme and excel academically while receiving first-class rugby coaching at Coventry Rugby’s Butts Park Arena.
One of the most exciting aspects of our programme is that our students don’t have to choose between elite sport and academic success. All of our schools offer a full suite of A-Level and BTEC courses, ensuring that talented players can study the subjects that best support their future ambitions, alongside an elite rugby offer.
The dual pathway ensures that every participant gains formal qualifications, setting them up not just for a career in sport but for life beyond rugby. Whether it’s progressing to a world class university, earning a degree apprenticeship, or launching a professional rugby career, our students have options.
Building Brighter Futures
At The Futures Trust, we believe education should be transformational. Our mission is to build brighter futures by delivering an exceptional experience both inside and outside the classroom. We provide an outstanding academic education that enables every student to thrive, offering a curriculum that stretches, challenges, and prepares them for the next stage of their journey. But, for us, education isn’t just about grades – it’s about opportunity.
Too often, access to high-quality extracurricular activities is dictated by background and circumstance. We are committed to narrowing the enrichment gap, ensuring every young person has access to elite sporting pathways, the performing arts, and super-curricular experiences that many ordinary families cannot access. By delivering a rich set of wider experiences alongside outstanding teaching, we equip our students with the skills, confidence, and resilience to succeed in whatever path they choose.
Real Results, Real Stories
The impact of this initiative is already being felt. Cameron Sparkes, a 17-year-old student at Barr’s Hill School, recently made his debut for Coventry Rugby’s U17 Academy. Reflecting on the experience, he said:
“Playing at Butts Park Arena in a professional environment was incredible. I’ve been a fan of the club since I was 10, so stepping onto the pitch felt like a dream come true. The coaching team, led by Matt Jones, Aaron Skyrme, and strength and conditioning coach Tom Parker, has pushed me to new levels. My skills, coordination, and physicality have improved massively since joining.”
Beyond the game itself, Cameron recognises the deeper value of the programme:
“It’s tough – there’s a lot of hard work involved – but the rewards make it worth it. I’m not just growing as a rugby player, but as a person. The discipline, resilience, and determination I’m learning here will help me for life beyond rugby. It’s about being the best version of yourself, no matter what path you take.”
Learn more
Whether you’re a young player looking for an opportunity, a parent seeking the best for your child, or you are simply interested in learning more about our Elite and Rugby Education Pathway, contact:
Matt Jones, Academy Manager – mjones@coventryrugby.co.uk
Applications for September 2025 are still open and recruitment events for 2026 are set to open this Easter.
To learn more about The Futures Trust and our schools, visit: https://www.thefuturestrust.org.uk/
More information will be shared via Coventry Rugby, The Futures Trust, and The Futures Trust Schools.
