Grassroots Rugby Discussing the possible structures of Expanded Academies, OPPORTUNITY – PATHWAY – QUALITY COACHING – QUALITY NUMBERS

Within our grassroots clubs and schools the body of rugby knowledge and experience encompasses all the generations and diverse skill sets from across the rugby community. From those involved in recruitment, to those involved in coaching, playing, minis, youth, adults, officials, committee members, sponsorship / fundraising, administration, secretaries, supporters, clubs, schools, those involved in also in their non rugby lives in families, communities, orgainsations, businesses in the private and public sectors. Administraters, entrepreneurs, innovators, trainers, professors, teachers, those in all the professions, those involved in every single aspect of society that you can think of.

This group of people represent the diverse experience and knowledge of the world.

Things are standing out from the conversations that we have in rugby circles – 1) The Importance of Academies.

These are Academies who receive serious inputs from those trained by Ulster Rugby & the IRFU to provide knowledge and to conduct the highest possible levels of training, fitness, rehab, nutrition.

IRISH RUGBY TEAM
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ULSTER RUGBY TEAM
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ACADEMY
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SUB ACADEMY
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CLUB RUGBY ACADEMY SCHOOLS RUGBY ACADEMY AIL ACADEMY

In Ulster our players are completely and utterly dedicated. Now lets think about some of the benefits of this. The benefits of this are massive! Players are receiving top level inputs based around getting the highest level knowledge from Ulster & IRFU trained coaches. The coaches are working with these guys right through their rugby playing careers. The players are playing at tiered higher levels on an annual basis. Players can migrate from one academy to another and recieve that fuller rugby experience. The IRFU would be involved in this and perhaps have coaches in the mix who have connections with Ireland level teams like Ireland U19s, Ireland U20S, Ireland 7S, Ireland Clubs International side. Players would be involved in JNR Rugby Clubs, Schools and SNR Rugby Clubs.

Each club for example would be asked to contribute 2 players, so 52 Rugby Clubs and 100 players in the Club Academy.
Schools a similar amount although possibly 3 players.

The Sub Academy – Would probably be 50+ Players per year on a 1-2 year cycle feeding ultimately into the ULSTER RUGBY ACADEMY which could probably be heading towards 30+ Players who knows, more even!

OPPORTUNITY – PATHWAY – QUALITY COACHING – QUALITY NUMBERS

In future articles we will cover:

SPORTS AGENTS
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURES