As students prepared for the start of a new academic year, it was a very exciting day at the new West Surrey Rugby Academy as they opened their doors for their very first day.
On Tuesday 6th September sixteen eager young people were welcomed to a new education venue in Chobham as they began their journey to earn a BTEC Level 3 (Extended) Diploma in Sport Performance and Excellence.
Chobham Rugby Club is one of the leading Community Rugby clubs in the South East of England and becomes only the second Rugby Club in the country to extend grass roots rugby into education, by opening the doors of the West Surrey Rugby Academy in partnership with SCL, one of the UK’s leading independent providers of education through sport.
The fully funded 2 year full time education and rugby development programme is aimed at 16-18 year olds and provides a unique opportunity for young players to train and study in an environment that will develop their academic and sporting performance. Successful completion of the course will result in the award of a BTEC Level 3 (Extended) Diploma in Sport Performance and Excellence.
During their two years at the Academy students receive:
- An education programme delivered by highly qualified and experienced teachers, assessors, verifiers and RFU Coach Educators incl. core education in Maths and English
- Daily training and coaching sessions with RFU-qualified coaches focusing on their technical, tactical, physical and mental skill development
- Guidance on individual rugby fitness, nutritional advice and regular appraisals to monitor development both on and off the pitch
The lead rugby coach for the Academy is Liam Cranford, an experienced RFU Level 2 Coach who for the past six years has been running a successful School and Community programme for Chobham Rugby Club and is excited by the challenge of launching the West Surrey Rugby Academy.
“I am passionate about Rugby and the enjoyment it brings as well as the opportunity it gives for personal growth, so today is a proud day for us to be able to open the doors of the academy and welcome our first 16 students”.
Chobham Rugby Club Chairman Vince Kerr sees the Academy as a logical extension for the Club:
“This is a natural, and ambitious, extension of our community programme that extends the reach of our very well regarded community programme, providing a real education opportunity for young people in the Surrey Heath area. This programme will enable young, talented potential players and coaches to gain a well regarded qualification that will give them the opportunity to build a career in Rugby.”
Next trial date : October 24th 10am-1pm
For more information contact West Surrey Academy Manager Liam Cranford
Sign up here: http://wearescl.co.uk/west-surrey