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College’s elite rugby programme bringing out the best in students

Posted: 17th February 2021 - 12:25pm

Learners on Loughborough College’s elite Women’s RFU Rugby programme are learning what it takes to be at the top with talks from international stars, top psychologists and nutritionists.

It is part of the College’s Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme which is geared up to unlock and develop the potential in young athletes, as well as preparing athletes for employment, in or out of their sport, by giving learners the tools to succeed across a wide range of sectors.

Students most recently received in-depth insight from rugby union stars Rachel Malcolm, Captain of Loughborough Lightning and Scotland; Ellen Ramsbottom, a former learner and now England under 20 and Loughborough Lightning star, and Bethan Zeidler, Loughborough Lightning player.

In addition, learners have started a bespoke strength and conditioning programme, using Loughborough University’s state-of-the-art Powerbase gym where they regularly train alongside international players and one of the College’s Year 2 students is now a regular member of the Loughborough Lightning team.

Lead Academy Coach Brad Jones is the programme manager at College and also the defence coach for Loughborough Lightning’s senior team, ensuring the pathway and transition from the College to the Lightning programme is a smooth one.

He said: “Our unique DiSE programme is designed to match the best talent in women’s rugby alongside the best possible coaching, training, facilities and mentorship to develop the legends of the future.

“It is a fantastic qualification as it gives our students unprecedented access to superstar insight, opportunities to train alongside international players at one of the best sporting colleges in Europe.”

The programme is currently in its second year and has 12 students on its books, including Allianz Premiership Loughborough Lightning Team members Beyonce Fowler, Francesca Goldthorp, Hollie Mae-Dodd, Lilli Ives-Campion and Kendall Waudby.

Beyonce, 18, from Loughborough, said: “The DiSE programme offered at Loughborough College is a qualification that I’d highly recommend to anyone. DiSE has enabled me to gain invaluable skills to ensure I can balance and maintain my student-athlete career as well as supporting me through the next steps of my future after I leave college. DiSE is an experience which has supported my transition to become a consistent Loughborough Lightning premiership player and one that I have enjoyed immensely.” 

Learners on the programme train and learn from the likes of Emily Scarratt, World Rugby Player of the Year; England Captain Sarah Hunter and Scotland Captain Rachel Malcolm.

To become involved with the DiSE programme at Loughborough College, students need to be enrolled on an FE course at Loughborough College and be part of the College’s Women’s Rugby Programme.

Once this has been completed, the College then recruits the students who have the ability to excel on the DiSE programme.