Loughborough College has announced an exciting new launch from the Midlands Hurricanes Rugby League Academy – backed by top professional clubs.
Super League’s Castleford Tigers and League One’s Coventry Bears are working with the Academy to boost opportunities for the stars of the future.
New and aspiring young players in the region will be offered the chance to join under 16 development hubs based at Loughborough College.
Players can progress from four centres into the Midlands Academy education programme based at Loughborough College.
There will be centres for Leicestershire and Northamptonshire based at Loughborough College, a Black Country Hub in Wolverhampton and a Coventry and Warwickshire Hub in Coventry with Castleford and Coventry also providing the chance for progression into the professional game.
“The program is going to provide a huge boost for the Midlands region. As we know, the talent within the area is significant and this will offer the perfect opportunity for youngsters to train and play,” said Head of Midlands Hurricanes Rugby League at Loughborough College, Greg Mannion.
“To attract the calibre of Castleford and Coventry demonstrates the strength of our programme and we are already seeing potential players moving on to these respected professional clubs and earning contracts.
“I am hoping this new pathway will also encourage a transfer of talent from other sports such as Rugby Union, Athletics and Basketball and as we build on developing the region, that the success stories will continue to come.”
Coventry Bears CEO Alan Robinson added: “This programme is part of a new relationship we are building with the Midlands Academy. They have been developing layers for a number of years now at Loughborough College and we have seen great success with a number of players featuring for the Bears or moving onto courses and scholarships at Coventry University.
“Forging a link with the Hurricanes and assisting in the growth of this new pathway for the game is vital if we are to bring more players through. I know Castleford Tigers have also shown a keen interest in Midlands players at this level and I think it is also great to see a club of such status recognising that there is a pool of talent here.”
Players must be in year 10 and 11 (under 16), be able to attend midweek training and be available for matches. Those selected will have seven weeks of training with three matches each term in Autumn 2017 and Winter 2018. Initial player meetings and registration dates will be confirmed on application. Once selected for the squad, there are some costs for personal kit. To apply for playing positions at the regional developments hubs - as well as for volunteer management and coaching positions currently available – please contact: midlandsedp@gmail.com