What’s the Strathallan Rugby Academy all about?
Sport – and in particular, rugby – has been an important part of a Strathallan education since our school was founded over 100 years ago. Our ambition has always been to nurture a lifelong love of sport, and to support all our athletes to develop the skills, and values to excel in their chosen sport.
With the launch of Strathallan’s Rugby Academy, we aim to draw out excellence in talented young players providing the support, guidance, and expertise to improve each player within the Academy by focusing on being development-driven and player-centered. Through our intensive programme of training, teaching and coaching, and access to some of the best facilities in Scotland, the Academy will provide a high-quality player experience. In my time at Strathallan I’ve seen more than forty Age grade International players go on to represent their country on the pitch, eleven full-time professional players, six full internationalists, and a British & Irish Lion and I’m proud to have played some part in their incredible success.
How does the programme work?
We recognise that a player’s journey is specific to them, and the framework of the programme takes this into account. We aim to guide players through a systematic approach, giving them the opportunity to practice and develop their skills and reach their potential in a safe and supportive environment.
Essentially fundamental elements of the game will be learned alongside core rugby skills and athletic development. Those that show the most promise will go on to a more intensive programme where they will learn more technical and tactical approaches and focus on specialist skills. At this stage, players skills will be honed through performance workshops, video analysis and sports psychology. They will also be working towards playing for the Strathallan 1st XV and National age-grade squads
What are the benefits to players who are part of the Rugby Academy?
Each member of the Rugby Academy will have access to first-class training, advice, facilities and support. We want our players to be part of our Rugby family and nurture their talent and ability.
They will have their own branded kit to recognise their association with the Academy along with access to an online platform that will record, measure and monitor many aspects of the player's short, medium and long term progress. A strength and conditioning programme with our qualified coach is built into the curriculum and skills assessment will be done through player modelling.
Rugby matches are videoed, and a library of performances is built for each player, as well as regular monthly meetings to acknowledge progress and plans.
Our qualified nutritionist delivers a minimum of two workshops for the Academy, plus a tailored eating/fueling plan for each player and there is full player physiotherapy screening, SCAT5 testing, FMS and access to treatment as required. Group workshops, as well as individual sessions with our consultant sports psychologist, are available to all players together with daily health logs and scheduled intervention through data analysis.
Each year we will hand out an annual prize to the best and most committed member of the Rugby Academy.
Who can join the Rugby Academy and how do they apply?
The Academy is open to Rugby Scholars and those that show the most potential.
Alongside a passion for the game, we are looking for talented players who are dedicated and can actively demonstrate that through, hard work, determination and a willingness to listen and act.
The journey to being a fully inducted member of the Academy will begin in 3rd form where players will have the opportunity to apply to be on the programme, these are known as Aspiring players. These players will be worked with at this entry-level and as information and experience of the player is gathered, with positive recognition, players can be promoted to being a Player of Note. This will bring more opportunity for the player to further demonstrate that they have the attributes, attitude and work ethic to be inducted as an Academy player. Once inducted to being a full Academy player a player agreement is signed as commitment to the Academy.
And finally, we asked Andy for any words of advice to someone who is thinking of applying to join the Academy?
Early recognition of talent, that will last, is not an exact science and I am asked many times by enthusiastic parents “Do you think my child will make it”? my reply is always just 2 words “It depends” and that is on a very long list of things.
So, what would my advice be to any player who wants to apply for the Academy?
I would ask what their one ‘super strength’ is, because to take any player forward you must have at least one. I have had many replies to this question over the years as a coach, but I always warm to the player who says “I’m going to try my best every session to get better.”
Young players who have ambition and a plan are fantastic to work with as they are already on the journey with a vision of what they want. In tandem has to be the willingness to do the work to get there.
Performance in any area of life also brings challenges where sacrifices will need to be made to get the greatest gains, so ask the question,
“Am I prepared to make the sacrifices to get as far as I can?”.
If the answer is yes then I would say apply, give it your best shot and good luck.
