The army activities, while being fun, are also designed to develop skills and qualities that will translate into improved rugby performance. Working as a team attendees are challenged to solve problems using communication and available resources as well as take on physical challenges such as the aerial slide or abseiling.

The structure of the camps aims to take participants out of their comfort zone. Demanding coaching and army sessions with high quality performance and self discipline are central to the course with the aim of getting the best out of participants.
 
The week long residential course at ITC Catterick saw children aged 14-18 receiving top class coaching from all three clubs including Newcastle Falcons’ Richard Arnold, Leeds Tykes’ John Bentley and Sale Sharks assistant Academy coach Phil Leck. Participants also had the opportunity to receive expert coaching tips from players from all three clubs including watching a morning training session with Newcastle Falcons who later took the participants through their paces, including a kicking clinic held by Jonny Wilkinson.

“Catterick is an amazing place and there’s something in it for everyone. The kids are obviously interested in the rugby, and from the Army point of view it gives a bit of a chance to show them what being a soldier is really all about. They get to see it for themselves first hand, and for some of them it could be the start of a career in the forces, while for the others they will still enjoy the activities and benefit from all the exercise.” Richard Armold from Newcastle Falcons added.

Falcons skipper Matt Burke said after imparting his wisdom on the youngsters, “Today has been great for the people taking part in the camp, and also for the Falcons boys who have really enjoyed the day. The kids certainly seem keen to learn, but they’re also having a lot of fun and getting plenty of exercise in the process.”

Nick Fletcher, Community Marketing Manager, Leeds Tykes further added, ‘The Premiership Rugby Residential Academy at ITC Catterick has demonstrated the fantastic partnership between Rugby Union and the British Army. It gave children the opportunity to truly experience life as a professional Rugby Union player through coaching from experienced coaches and team building activities with the Army. It is a unique experience which some children may never receive again through access to players from Leeds Tykes, Sale Sharks and Newcastle Falcons. These players shared their own stories about being a professional Rugby Union player and then went on to demonstrate coaching and skills which gave the children a different perspective of learning. Working together to build the possible future players of Rugby Union in this way has been tremendously successful and hopefully it will continue to grow in the future!’

This week also sees 85 children from both London Irish and London Wasps descend onto SEAE Arborfield, to be put through their paces by top quality coaches from both clubs and army officers from SEAE Arborfield.

For more details including how to book onto Premiership Rugby Residential Academies and other one day, three day and five day camps non residential courses for boys and girls aged 16-17 years visit: www.rugbycamps.com.

Be your Best Residential Courses, Summer 2006.
Dates and Venues:
Bath Rugby & Bristol Rugby, ATR Winchester, 14th-18th August
Northampton Saints, ATR Bassingbourn, 14th-18th August
Leicester Tigers, ATR Bassingbourn, 21st-15th August
Worcester Warriors & Gloucester Rugby, ATR Winchester, 21st-15th August
Sale Sharks, Capel Curig Training Camp, 28th August-1st September
Saracens, ATR Bassingbourn, 28th August-1st September