Warriors launch Junior Academy Centre at Barkers’ Butts RFC

Worcester Warriors launched the second of six Junior Academy Centres with a Coach Education Evening on Monday night as the club continues its plans to work with talented young rugby players across the Midlands.

The centre was officially opened at Barkers’ Butts Rugby Club in Coventry, an area where the club has increased its presence in recent years.

The evening saw a host of rugby coaches from local clubs attend a lecture focused on athletic development and nutrition for young players, while there was also an opportunity to watch a scrum clinic with Warriors coach Ceri Jones and England Ladies World Cup winning coach Graham Smith.

President of Barkers’ Butts Rugby Club John Askill said: “Rugby in this area is alive so it is the perfect time to be launching the Junior Academy Centre.

“Warriors have been very good to us and I like the family we have created. This relationship is truly beneficial to both clubs as Warriors will have use of our excellent facilities, while we will be able to learn off their experienced coaches.

“It’s an exciting time for the area and the young players who won’t have to travel huge distances to get the quality coaching they require.

“We’ve had eight players from our club develop into full internationals and hopefully we will now see even more players progressing to that standard thanks to our relationship with Warriors.”

Warriors launched the first of six Junior Academy Centres at King Edward’s School in September and will be launching further centres at Warwick School, Telford College of Arts and Technology, Hereford Cathedral School and Luctonians Rugby Club. There is also a centre at Warriors’ Sixways Stadium.

The introduction of these Academy Centres means that young rugby players from across the West Midlands will now be provided with a clear and structured pathway to professional rugby.

The most talented youngsters from across the region will work closely with Warriors’ experienced coaches and will be provided with strength and conditioning, nutritional, medical and game support as they look to realise their rugby potential.

Warriors High Performance Director Nick Johnston said: “We’ve worked extremely hard to develop our Junior Academy Centres across the region and we’re delighted that our second centre is now up-and-running.

“We are committed to the work we are doing in Coventry and this Barkers’ Butts Academy Centre gives us an opportunity to work closely with some of the best young players across the area.

“These Academy Centres play a significant part in our overall Academy strategy as we focus on developing the next generation of first-team players. It is an exciting time for us as we continue to implement programmes which will ensure we achieve long-term success.”
 


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