October 14, 2015
ARPTC And USA Rugby Player Pathway Development
Doug Coil
ARPTC Press Announcement:
American Rugby Pro Training Center Launches Additional Full-Time Residency Offerings Focused on Accelerated USA Rugby Player Pathway Development and NASC Preparation
“LITTLE ROCK, Ark., American Rugby Pro Training Center (ARPTC) announced today the opening of additional rugby development programs tailored to prepare athletes for the USA Rugby National All-Star Competitions (NASCs) in December 2015 and January 2016. ARPTC is the only USA Rugby Sanctioned National Development Academy with a women’s full-time residency program. The additional development opportunities will be available as six and eight week specialized programs, and add to the ongoing year-round program offerings and high performance camps available currently.
With changes announced earlier this year, the USA Rugby Women’s Player Development Pathway was overhauled to include a heavy focus on National Development Academies and the NACSs, which are held three times a year. USA Women’s Eagles Head Coach Pete Steinberg emphasized the importance of both in accelerating the growth of athletes and preparing them for selection to the USA Rugby National Teams..
“Players that want to be international rugby players in sevens or 15s need to seek out developmental opportunities that are above and beyond what they get at their club,” said Steinberg. “The ARPTC is a great place for a player to maximize their potential and we have already seen the impact on players who have attended. It is the ideal preparation for the National All-Star Competition, and last summer several players went on to earn their first caps for the Eagles after spending time in Little Rock.”
ARPTC’s newly added programs coincide with the current women’s competition calendar and allows for players competing in the Women’s Premier League to fill in the gap between the end of the league’s competitive season and the next cycle of high level of competition they will see at the NASCs. Lead Coach Ellie Karvoski notes that the specialized camps are aptly suited towards both the ARTPC’s and the National Pathway’s goal of preparing athletes for the next level of competition.
“ARPTC provides players the experience of a true, full-time training environment that allows them to minimize distractions and maintain focus on their rugby development. There is nothing that compares to this right now at the development level. The supportive environment and the community it creates is a natural springboard for rugby players to flourish and Play Up.”
ARPTC’s full-time elite athlete environment results in accelerated growth for the athlete, focusing on skill development, functional strength gains, and strategy and tactics. Included in all of ARPTC’s weekly programming is four skills sessions, four strength and conditioning sessions, team practices, mental skills development meetings, core stability workout session, access to a Licensed Physical Therapist and biomechanical evaluation, access to a Certified Nutritionist, and regeneration services as needed.
Located in a climate ideal for year-round training, the ARPTC facility has become a destination for athletes who have found winters to be restrictive to the type of training needed to maintain competitiveness. Earlier this year the ARPTC and fellow Olympic Development Academy, Northeast Academy, formed a partnership to accommodate East Coast athletes during the winter months. The partnership has proven to be hugely beneficial to both Academies and the new specialized winter residencies will provide additional opportunities for athletes around the country.
The 8 Week Full-Time Residency Program begins November 1st, with the second 6 Week Program beginning on the 16th. Both will culminate on December 23rd, just before the holiday break and the beginning of NACSs on December 28th. Following the NASC Camps, players also have the opportunity to return to ARPTC to continue their development at the January ARPTC High Performance Camp (January 15 – 18th).
8 Week Full Time Residency Program*:
Start Date – Nov. 1st | End Date: Dec 23rd (Depart for Holiday / NASC Camp)
6 Week Full Time Residency Program*:
Start Date – Nov 16th (End of WPL season) | End Date: Dec 23rd (Depart for Holiday / NASC Camp)
*Flexible dates are available, please contact Coach Karvoski for scheduling.
ARPTC has been in full operation in Little Rock, Arkansas since January 2015 and has been able to develop and assist over 25 players in their journey towards elite player opportunities. In the first year, numerous ARPTC residents have been nationally capped, invited to USA Eagles Sevens Olympic Training Center Camps and received All-American and All-Collegiate opportunities. ARPTC also offers High Performance Camps, Apprentice Coaching Opportunities, High School Camps and opportunities to participate in various tournaments within the US and internationally.
For players developing at the beginning of the pathway, ARPTC will be also be hosting a Girls High School Sevens High Performance Camp in December. Players interested in attending camps or becoming residents should contact Ellie Karvoski, Director of Operations and Lead Coach: ellie.karvoski@americanrugbypro.com
Want to get an inside look at the ARPTC? WATCH: Inside the American Rugby Pro Training Center
About American Rugby Pro Training Center
The American Rugby Pro Training Center (ARPTC) is an official USA Rugby National Development Academy located in Little Rock, Arkansas. ARPTC’s goal is to progress the sport of rugby sevens by developing top performing male and female athletes through unique player-centric seminars, camps and residency programs. The organization is focused on preparing athletes to consistently perform at a high level by providing the means, support, and advocacy necessary to advance them to the international stage.”
Partners with: Northeast Academy
