As part of the team behind Leicester Tigers’ Under-18 League title-winning teams, academy manager Dave Wilks knows a thing or two about what it takes to make it in the game.
The club recently announced that 11 young Tigers have been promoted to the development squad from the successful academy set-up for the new season, while another seven Tigers Academy graduates have been elevated to Geordan Murphy’s senior squad.
That is an indication of the impact of the work done by Wilks and the academy team at Oval Park to harness some of the best talents around.
Many of these Tigers cubs were spotted playing for their local clubs and schools, while Tigers Rugby Camps also provided valuable tools to take their game to the next level.
Tigers Rugby Camps not only serve as a fantastic way to develop basic skills of the game, but also offer the chance for aspiring players to experience a professional coaching environment.
“Camps introduce young players to the levels of teamwork, technical understanding – like fault correction – and the hard work and effort which are everyday aspects of professional rugby,” Wilks explains.
“Lots of our academy players started by experiencing a Tigers Rugby Camp at their local club or school alongside playing for their club sides.
“With hundreds of kids taking part in camps each year, we receive lots of recommendations from the coaches of talented players to watch out for. And with camps running from Under-7s to Under-15s, for many they are the first steps into the player pathway.”
Wilks added: “Camps offer a fun way of learning some of the basic skills that academy and professional players practice every day. All Tigers community team coaches are trained in the curriculum that we use when coaching in the academy pathway.”
Ultimately, Tigers Rugby Camps are about enjoying your rugby, with games, drills and exercises designed to improve skills in a fun but professional environment.
There are Tigers giveaways and a hot lunch is also provided for youngsters taking part in the five full-day camps helping to provide a great way to keep kids entertained in the school holidays.
To find out more about a camp near you this summer, click the link below. Prices start from £50 for Under-7/8 age-groups for a three half-day tag rugby camp and £150 for the five full-day camps for all other players.
