Bath Rugby and Bath College launch Elite Women’s Academy

Bath Rugby and Bath College have formed an exciting new partnership to assist in the development of promising young female rugby players in the Bath Rugby catchment area.

The BTEC Level 3 Programme - which they will be delivering together - aims to provide an outstanding rugby and academic development programme. The role of which is to identify and develop talented young rugby players and support them to achieve their potential, both on and off the pitch.

The partnership provides the first female pathway to the elite game in the region, and mirrors the well-established and successful existing partnerships that Bath Rugby has for boys with Beechen Cliff and various other independent schools.

The programme targets female rugby players in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire between the ages of 16-19 and forms a major milestone in the club’s commitment to female rugby through increasing participation and creating a sustainable pathway which will both support the launch of a professional women’s team.

Bath Rugby’s Chief Executive, Tarquin McDonald emphasises the importance of the Academy to the development of the club’s women and girls’ strategic roadmap: “The formation of Bath Rugby Women’s Academy is the start of a long-term commitment with Bath College to create a best-in-class Women’s Academy and facilitate the growth of the female game throughout the region.

“Providing opportunities for girls to further their education and rugby careers is imperative if we are to see the women’s game thrive.

“Our Academy will be a springboard for girls looking to explore a career in rugby, with the hope that many will progress from this programme to the pinnacle of the sport.”

The new partnership compliments the partnership already in place with University of Bath Women’s Team and offers a clear development opportunity to the best young female talent in the region.

Bath Rugby’s Rugby Development Lead and RFU Level 3 qualified coach Maria Crowfoot will oversee all rugby-led aspects of the programme alongside her commitment as Head Coach of the University of Bath Women’s Team.

Bath College’ Principle & CEO Jayne Davis commented: “At a time when collaborations have never been more important, we are so pleased to enter into this long-term partnership with Bath Rugby.

"It combines two aspects of the College we are very proud of: sport and quality of education. To have the opportunity to further the sporting careers and education of young women through this exciting route is something we are all looking forward to.

"I can't wait to see the names and faces of successful female rugby players leading the way in the future.”

Applications to the Academy are now open, with representatives from Bath Rugby and Bath College available to answer any questions students or parents may have.

COURSE OVERVIEW

This is an exciting opportunity in partnership with Bath Rugby and Bath College for 16-19 females to study a full-time programme whilst playing and developing to a high-performance level. Students will work alongside and learn from experienced staff and be able to immerse themselves into a unique opportunity to study the equivalent to three A Levels whilst undergoing strength and conditioning and developing technical and tactical skills from Bath Rugby’s coaching team.

Students will study a Level 3 BTEC Extended National Diploma in Sport, Coaching and Development (3 x A Levels). Students will have the opportunity to achieve a maximum of 168 UCAS points by completing these programmes.

Alongside training and strength and conditioning sessions, students will be studying subjects such as Health and Wellbeing in Sport, Developing Coaching Skills, Anatomy and Physiology in Sport and Sports Psychology.

As a Bath Rugby Academy player you will also benefit from physio support and if you are playing at regional level or above there is also an opportunity to become part of the TASS programme (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme).

Additionally, as an academy player you will be benefit from strong tutorial support to encourage personal development, such as target setting to achieve high grades, time management and organisation skills to maintain the commitment to your academic studies and Rugby.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

4 GCSES at Grade 4 or above with 4 in English and Maths or Progression from the Level 2 Sports Programme with 3 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above with 4 in Maths.

TEACHING AND ASSESSMENTS

The qualification will take two years to complete, the programme is a non-examination route, and all students will be assessed through a range of methods e.g. coursework, portfolio and evidence building, presentations, practical’s and interviews and will be marked at Pass, Merit and Distinction.

As part of the programme students will be committed to completing work experience in a relevant area.

OPPORTUNITIES AFTER COMPLETION OF COURSE

Internal progression onto the Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching and Exercise Science at Bath College or other Higher Education courses.

LOCATIONS

Academic work will be completed at Bath College City Centre campus Rugby coaching will take place at Odd Down Playing Fields (3G).

Find out more about Bath College here.