Ian McKerchar Sale FC Rugby Academy Head Coach

Player Development

Refine, Develop and Inspire

Player Development

The aim of Sale FC Rugby Academy, is to promote a player-centred environment based on trust, enjoyment, teamwork, respect and empowerment in which to challenge, excite and motivate players. We aim to open player’s minds to the game of rugby and what they are capable of, to promote high skill levels, decision making, game understanding, autonomy and a positive and confident mindset via appropriate, varied and imaginative methods of coaching, feedback and a thorough and professional approach.

We offer the very highest standard, innovative and enjoyable game-based training sessions which along with our player-centred environment will allow players to express themselves, experiment and access and fulfil their playing potential. We are further assisted during the season with positional specialist sessions from Sale FC National League 1 players and Sale Sharks Premiership players.

Player development remains a key focus, achieved via ongoing evaluation throughout the season, including Player Development Plans and video analysis, in order to assist players in identifying their strengths and weaknesses; working together to ensure they become better rugby players.

We offer complete support and guidance for player transition into senior rugby, whether that is club or university rugby, at any level. Our dedicated and fully qualified coaching team are all very experienced coaches, having coached club, school and university rugby and are perfectly suited to support progression playing in the Halbro NW Colts League with colts rugby and facilitate the transition beyond.

During the season our home games are played at our impressive Heywood Road stadium, with our training sessions taking place at our Carrington High Performance Centre, also the home of Sale Sharks. Both sites offer facilities second to none, which will add further to the enjoyment and positive experience of a player’s time with the Sale FC Academy.

As head coach I look forward to welcoming you into the Academy and answering any question you may have.

Ian McKerchar

Head Coach,

Sale FC Rugby Academy