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East Durham and Houghall Community College
RFUW Junior Performance Academy
The Rugby Academy was set up in 2001with the support from the RFU and the RFUW. The Academy consists of both a Male Rugby Academy and a Female Rugby Academy, with shining new prospects arising each year.
The aim of the Rugby Academy based here at East Durham and Houghall Community College, is to develop local, regional and nationally based talented young male and female rugby players towards developing their full potential.
The Female Academy itself is in conjunction with the RFU Development Course for male athletes aged 16-19yrs. Players receive coaching and support both on and off the pitch, including individual player development programmes with lifestyle mentoring and educational support. In addition to this, players get the opportunity to represent the College through fixtures both home and away, and are offered the chance to go away on an annual rugby training camp. These programmes are delivered through two full-time rugby coaches, Jo Hull and Nick Gresswell. Both Jo and Nick work alongside the RFUW and the RFU in furthering the opportunities of the rugby players, where early talent identification can be made in conjunction with Team England development.
The success of the College and the Rugby Academy has already been evident, with a record of 17 International female rugby players and 2 regional players. The International players have varied from England U19 squad members, to the Senior England ‘A’ Team.
The success of the Academy will continue to drive the RFUW and women’s rugby forwards, breeding success and hopefully more International victories.
There will be an open day taking place on the 7th February 2005. Any athletes aged 16-19yrs who are interested in the Rugby Academy should contact student services on 01915188222 or Jo Hull on 01915188303. |
