Rugby club launches Colts Academy

LYMM Rugby Union Club has announced the launch of a Colts Academy.
Junior (U17) and senior (U19) colds squads have joined together under the direction of Academy director Mark O’Callaghan.
This follows a series of highly successful seasons for the Colts teams, including a National Colts Cup in 2009 and Northern Colts Cup in 2010.
Mark said: “Through the Colts Academy we are looking to reinforce the links between our senior and junior sections in a structure providing all our Colts players with a level of coaching and support more usually found only at more senior level. “As well as a first rate coaching team they will have access to a strength and conditioning specialist as well as the club’s physiotherapists. We also plan to involve our U16 age group in the Academy as the season progresses to prepare them for their move to Colts rugby next season.”
First team player and coach Lee Pickles, will lead a team of assistant and specialist coaches drawn from fellow members of the 1st team playing and coaching staff assembled to provide a broad range of high quality coaching.
He said: “I am delighted to take on the role of head coach of the new Colts Academy. The talent of our junior players is illustrated by their success in recent years. I and my team are excited by the prospect of helping them develop both individually and as teams to maximise their success and enjoyment from their rugby as they move towards the senior game.”
Both junior and senior Colts sides will play in the “A” divisions of the Raging Bull North West Colts Leagues next season.
Academy numbers are healthy but as Mark points out: “All teams lose players over the close season so we are always on the look out for new recruits. We are also seeking sponsors for the Academy and its teams which play throughout the North West.”