Fifty rugby players between the age of 13 and 17 gathered at Bromsgrove School for the annual Warriors Summer Residential Rugby Camp hoping to progress in their mission to develop from youngsters to young stars.
Bromsgrove School, which has fantastic facilities and is a popular training venue for the Warriors 1st XV squad, was the perfect location for these aspiring Warriors to spend the week focusing in detail on every facet of the game.
As well as scheduled rugby sessions lead by Warriors experienced coaches, such as ex-player Lee Fortey, Academy Assistant Manager Gary Meechan and Academy coach Matt Sherratt, players were treated to sessions such as a question and answer session on life as a rugby player where ex-Bromsgrove School pupil, and Warriors 1st team star Matt Mullan passed on knowledge and inspiration to the players.
Other sessions included nutrition and conditioning, lead by Academy conditioners Lee Douglas and Lee Clever, performance analysis lead by Thomas Tench, part of the Warriors analytical team, and injury treatment and prevention lead by Warriors physiotherapist Sara Benson.
The group, which included players from as far away as the Isle of Man, France, Spain and Italy, as well as a crop of local talented players from the North Midlands and Warwickshire, also enjoyed a tour behind the scenes at Sixways Stadium. Here they were right in the thick of the pre-season action, meeting Mike Ruddock and some of the players before watching a live training session lead by Tony Windo, Billy McGinty, Matthew Powell and Andrew Stanley.
“It was a fantastic action packed week, which gave the players a realistic insight into the life of a professional rugby player, and what it takes to get there,” said Warriors Community Officer Simon Lane.
“Every single one of the lads gave it their all and from the feedback so far have all taken huge amounts away from the experience.”
Warriors have already received the following feedback:
“I am compelled to write to you and the training team to say a sincere thank you for what seems to have been a truly excellent rugby camp at Bromsgrove School this week. My son has had nothing but praise for all the coaches and the mix of rugby and team activities.”
“I had to send you a quick email….Rob is full of it! Fantastic, brilliant, ace, amazing. All words from my 15 year olds mouth.
“You all did a great job. He has had a fantastic week, made some new friends, learnt a lot and grown both in height and maturity.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you and all the staff!! A nice touch was Miles Benjamin speaking to him, as he knew him from school.
“When is the next one, he said? Again thank you.”
To reserve your child’s place on next Warriors Summer Residential camp please contact the Warriors Community Office on 01905 454183 or e mail simon.lane@warriors.co.uk