After learning about the history of the club in the Saints Study Centre, the Sturtridge Pavilion and at the plaque of legends in the players' tunnel, this year's intake into the Senior Academy headed off to visit the club's major sponsors - Travis Perkins, Church's Shoes, Persimmon Homes, Barclaycard Business, ACS Office Solutions, Michael Jones Jewellers, Steffans Jewellers and Primetime Recruitment. At each venue they learned about the work of each company, were introduced to staff members and given projects to complete in a short timescale. Members of the academy also handed out signed shirts, shorts and match balls.

"It's important that the lads remember that the Saints is part of the fabric of Northampton and that the links between the club, its sponsors and supporters are long-established," said Academy coach Grant Seely. "The exercise was also useful in terms of team building between the lads themselves and showing them that there is a life outside rugby.",,,,,,,,,,,

Joe Gray uses the modern resources of the Saints Study Centre to research the club's history

"It was fantastic to welcome the Senior Academy to their local Travis Perkins branch," said Andy Stephens, manager of Travis Perkins's Harvey Reeves Road branch. "The company is a long-time supporter of the Saints and as the main sponsor it was great to meet the future stars of the club."

Phil Hoy and David Smith lug some timber at Travis Perkins

“Having the Senior Academy players and their coach Grant Seely come into the office was a great way for us to start this season’s sponsorship of the Saints,” said Sandy Durant, Senior Marketing Manager of Barclaycard Business. “The sales team was very excited by the visit, especially that the boys presented a signed shirt and signed ball to team members. The visit also enabled the Saints players to get an understanding of the type of work that our team delivers daily and the activities that we are running leading up to the Rugby World Cup.”

Grant Anderson and John Brake learn what's done at Barclaycard Business

Barney, John, Phil and Grant, together with Grant Seely, hand out prizes to members of the sales team at Barclaycard Business

Will Harries presents a signed ball to Simon Hill and Jennifer Mead of Church's Shoes

More photos from Friday afternoon's fun can be found in the Picture Gallery.