For the 2010-11 seasons we will be establishing an Academy principle to accommodate the older age groups and provide a bridge into senior rugby. This will reflect the final stage in the growth of the club which culminates in providing players with a pathway from U6 to U18s and on into senior rugby. Junior Club Structure.
‘Miners’ – U6
Mini – U7 & U8
Midi – U9 to U12
Youth (Boys) – U13 to U15
Academy (boys) – U16 to U18
Youth (Girls) – U15 & U18
Principles
The Academy will be integral to the club and not a separate entity.
It will develop as the pinnacle within the junior section, something for younger players to aspire to.
In 2010-11 it will include U16 – U18 players and field teams at U17 & U18.
In subsequent years this will vary dependent upon the size of the cohort coming into the Academy from U15s. Our ultimate aim will be 3 squads between U16 – U18.
Objectives
To be player focused and develop players to their full potential
To provide a managed transition into senior rugby whatever the level.
To develop a quality provision that will attract and retain players
To ensure success dictates a limit on the number of places in the Academy. When this occurs priority of entry will be given to those who have come through the youth section.
Ethos
Whilst we aim to produce strong competitive teams this will be achieved through the development of individuals to fulfil their potential.
Success will result in players leaving the academy with the ability to play the game in its broadest sense rather than a particular style or pattern. We will produce players that can:
Read a game accurately and determine the best way to attack or defend
Function effectively in a variety of situations
Are confident to make decisions on the pitch
Are competent in the range of core skills
Academy Infrastructure
In the fullness of time we will aim to have a Head Coach for the Academy and Lead Coaches for each age group each qualified to a minimum Level 2 standard. These will be supported by Level 1 coaches and an infrastructure of specialist coaches / support. Ideally the head coach would remain in position for 5 year block.
Specialist coaching support will be developed within the club to cover activities such as Strength & Conditioning, Attack, Defence, etc. These coaches will have a remit for overseeing these functions throughout the junior section and may be drawn from coaches at any age group within the club.
We will aim to access additional specialist support including, Physiotherapy, Refereeing, Motivation and Psychological aspects of the game.
A programme of guest coaches will be developed annually to enhance both player and coach development.
Whilst the academy structure will look at player development across a number of age groups this will also be true for coach development. Once up and running, coaches coming in at U16s would become part of an established coaching structure and benefit from the experience of coaches who were in their 3rd year in this environment. Lead coaches at U15s would be expected to take their Level 2 qualification prior to coming into the Academy. Player Development
We aim to:
Provide for Long Term Player Development
Provide continuity between age groups and on to senior rugby
Balance rugby skills with complimentary skills (e.g. motivation, confidence)
Accommodate the elite as well as the mass of players
Utilise technology to develop players (e.g. Video analysis)
On entry each player will be assessed and a personal development plan agreed with them. Progress will be regularly assessed and plans will cover:
Core skills
Strength and Conditioning
Mental Conditioning
All players entering the Academy will be expected (encouraged) to take the IRB Online Rugby Ready Certificate and IRB Online Laws Exam within 6 months.
Players will be encouraged to undertake coaching and refereeing qualifications whilst in the academy. For example: Rugby Ready Practical at 16 and Level 1 Coaching Qualification at 17. CRB Clearance and attendance at First Aid Courses will also be encouraged. The Club will facilitate attendance on these courses and look for sponsorship to reduce / eliminate the costs to the players who wish to exploit this facility.
We will encourage and mentor players with relevant qualifications to support after schools rugby at years 7 & 8 in local secondary schools and to referee the club’s annual TAG and 10s tournaments. Note: The club has already received national recognition of facilitating such activities in the girls’ game.
Managed Progression to Senior Rugby
Minety has learnt from the experience of other clubs whose colts sections have been undermined by a short term approach to player shortages at senior level. We recognise the needs of our senior section and the benefits of managing youth player’s exposure to the adult game. To accommodate this we have an agreement that manages this transition to the benefit of the player.
Benefits Package
Members of Minety Junior Rugby will have access to a variety of Benefits.
10% Discount on driving lessons (Terri New)
Others to be confirmed
Appendix 1 Managed Progression to Senior Rugby
Minety has learnt from the experience of other clubs whose colts sections have been undermined by a short term approach to player shortages at senior level. We recognise the needs of our senior section and the benefits of managing youth player’s exposure to the adult game. To accommodate this we have an agreement that manages this transition to the benefit of the player. (To be developed) Youth / Adult Progression - Agreement
The following agreement details the use of U18s players in the adult game at Minety
All players U18 and below are to register through the academy as youth players.
All requests for players must be made through the Academy Head Coach and not directly to the players themselves.
The Academy Head Coaches’ decision is final.
No requests will be considered less than 48 hours before a game.
No players will be released for a game if they are playing for an Academy team the following day.
No players under the age of 17 will be allowed to play senior rugby and none under the age of 18 in the front row.
The 1st or 2nd team captain will be required to complete a brief player assessment on any academy player turning out for a senior team.
The Academy Head Coach will periodically meet with the Senior Head Coach and to share information on players that are eligible to play senior rugby and how best this be accommodated.
In the absence of the Academy Head Coach requests will be deferred up to the Junior Head Coach.
