Revamped Player Development Hubs launched

10 Sep 2019

Scottish Rugby has today launched a new Player Development Hub (PDH) programme to support identified players in the girls’ and boys’ youth game. The programme replaces the early talent identification programme previously delivered.

The Player Development Hub programme will provide additional training and playing opportunities for nominated U16 and U18 girls and U15 boys.

The programme will be delivered by the Rugby Development department and will be overseen by a Regional Manager, with sessions to be led by qualified and experienced coaches.

Alongside the hub training sessions and festivals, coach and parent workshops will be delivered to support the player development process.

On the announcement, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Training & Education, Neil Graham, said “The Player Development Hubs are an excellent opportunity for girls and boys who are looking to improve their skills and challenge themselves in a different environment.

“Whilst the programme will look to identify talented players for performance programmes, the priority aim is to develop their skills and game understand for the benefit of the club and school game.”

“The programme will also support the development of club and school coaches, with coaching workshops attached to some of the sessions throughout the programme. Parents of nominated players will also be supported throughout the process, to help them understand how best to support their son or daughter.”

Programme Aims

– Provide nominated players with quality coaching and additional playing and training opportunities.
– Support club and school coaches to improve the quality of their training environments.
– Develop players and coaches understanding of the Technical Blueprint ‘The Scottish Way’.
– Engage with parents to help them support the player development process.
– Provide an avenue for players to be identified for talent development and performance programmes.

U16 & U18 Girls Programme

Programme begins in Autumn 2019, with a second block of sessions/festivals in spring 2020.

Click HERE for further information.

Nominations are open until 27 September.

U15 Boys Programme

Programme begins in spring 2020.

Regional venues and dates to be announced in December.

Nominations open in December 2019 (tbc).