RUNY ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR MEN’S UNDER 20s PROGRAM
Rugby United New York Release.
NEW YORK (October 24, 2018)- As a commitment to the growth of high performance rugby in the Tri-State area, Rugby United New York has unveiled their plans for their Men’s Under 20 Program. The Program will launch with a Development and Talent ID Camp on Wednesday 21st November from 3pm-5pm at Glover Field, Pelham, New York. It is planned that the U20 Program will play a MLR curtain raiser this spring at the soon to be announced RUNY Stadium.
We caught up with General Manager James English for a quick Q & A about what the program will look like.
What is the Rugby United New York Men’s Under 20 Program?
It’s the start of our bigger strategic vision for a comprehensive academy structure. Our primary focus Year 1 is building our Major League Rugby team. However, we see the importance, even at this early stage, of investing in the development of upcoming, local talent.
The objective of the program is to provide high performance coaching, as well as an introduction to our strength and conditioning program, to potentially elite rugby players that we are currently in the process of identifying.
What can the RUNY U20 Program offer?
All athletes selected will be directed into an Individual Development Program that is geared towards ensuring their potential as a rugby player is maximized. The goal for each athlete selected is to become a professional rugby player with RUNY.
How does an athlete enter the U20 Academy Process?
Athletes will primarily be selected from our RUNY open development camps. Athletes can also be nominated by their schools, colleges, clubs, or scouted by our Academy staff.
Who do we expected to see leading the program?
The RUNY U20 program will sit very much alongside the MLR program, with aligned philosophies and coaching concepts. Our Head Coach, Mike Tolkin, will play a large role overseeing the coaching. However, the program will be led by Phil Terrigno and supported by developing coaches, from the Tri-State area, that we have already identified. This will become part of the RUNY Coach Development Pathway.
Can you give us more information on the Lead Coach, Phil Terrigno?
Phil is an assistant coach at Army West Point men’s rugby with a focus on forwards and set piece. Prior to join Army West Point, he was the head coach of the Texas Tech University men and women’s rugby teams and the interim commissioner of the Red River Conference.
He is an USA Rugby L300 certified coach, and recently completed a six-week coaching and management apprenticeship in South Africa’s Currie Cup during the summer of 2018.
Terrigno holds advanced degrees from both Columbia University and Texas Tech.
For any player nominations, please send all information to info@rugbyunitedny.com. Details to register for the upcoming U20 Development and Talent ID Camp can be found HERE.
Coaches are also encouraged to attend the U20 Development and Talent ID Camp. A free registration link can be found HERE.
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