For the first time, the Saints will be running Elite Insurance Rugby Academies simultaneously at three different locations next week. The 3-day academies are being held at Cambridge RUFC, Oundle School and Banbury RFC, with a 4-day option also being offered at Banbury. The academies, which are run by the Saints Community Team, are designed for young players between the ages of 6 and 16 and are suitable for all abilities.
Elite Insurance Academies help young players to develop their skills through training led by Northampton Saints community coaches, as well as Saints first team and academy players. The young players will take part in fun drills and competitions specifically tailored to their age group to develop their handling skills, contact and breakdown areas, defensive skills and overall game management.
Four highly successful academies have already been held at Franklin’s Gardens, Stowe School, Olney RFC and Sudbury RFC. Players including George North, Dylan Hartley, Ben Foden and Tom Wood have attended the academies, allowing the youngsters to learn from some of their idols. Players have been offering coaching advice as well as question and answer sessions. A few autographs have also been signed along the way!
Alex Waller, another player present at the academies, spoke about the importance of the academies developing future talent for the club, commenting: “I think it’s very important for the future of the game and the Saints that we have a broad array of talent on show and everyone is trying to nurture it.”
Places for next week’s academies are filling fast, however there are a few places still remaining. All participants will receive a Saints t-shirt and beach rugby ball as well as the opportunity to purchase a special Saints snapback cap, which won’t be available to buy anywhere else! There are still 12 Elite Insurance Academies running over the next 12 weeks in Ampthill, Ipswich and Leighton Buzzard, as well as next week’s academies in Cambridge, Oundle and Banbury.
To book a place on any of the upcoming academies please CLICK HERE
Any questions which you may have about the Elite Insurance Rugby Academies can be answered by the Saints Community Team on 01604 599113/116 or by email (CLICK HERE).
