Newcastle Thunder Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 With the 2020 season at all levels of the game now long cancelled Newcastle Thunder have taken the opportunity to reflect on progress made so far with their Academy Programme. As well as looking at achievements made to date, the internal review will look at possible improvements that can be implemented and ensure that the drivers and behaviours instilled are in line with the club’s 2030 Super League Mission. Starting out seven years ago under the guidance of Andy Kelly and Chris Chapman the RFL North East Regional Academy programme has now accounted for over 150 competitive first team appearances for the club. The academy, part of the Thunder club since 2016 has seen 12 players make debuts in either league or cup games, from the six year groups that have graduated. Sam Luckley, who has represented Scotland at full international level, is the pick of a crop of players that are currently either with the club or playing in the RFL Championship, League 1 and France’s Elite One competitions. For 2021 current academy player Alex Donaghy will join academy graduates Keiran Hudson and Ollie Gowing in the first team squad. It is also anticipated that a number of other current Thunder academy players will be in involved in new coach Eamon O’Carroll’s squad sessions in 2021. Thunder’s Academy had reached its 2018 target of having players selected for England Youth/Academy each year. Alex Donaghy, Nathan Clemmitt, Isaac Nokes and Jake Anderson have all pulled on the national team’s shirt, and in early 2020 all four being selected in the National Academy Performance Squad. These selections saw Thunder only behind five Super League clubs in terms of representation and gaining more spots than a number of the more established academies. The Academy programme is run alongside a full-time education course in partnership with Tyne Met College. It develops individual players’ on-field progression alongside strength and conditioning, sports psychology, lifestyle, parental engagement and education give players the foundations to achieve their potential. The Rugby League education course has consistently been the top performer within Tyne Met and has seen countless graduates progress into a wide range of further education and vocational training or work. There are now young men combining their aspiring rugby careers alongside education on university courses such as Physiotherapy, Psychology, Applied Sports Science, Engineering and Business Management. The steady stream of players that have been provided to Northumbria University has contributed to them establishing themselves as the top RL University in the country, winning the National Championship 3 years running. Whilst not every player who comes through Thunder Academy will go on to play rugby league professionally, it is imperative to the club that all players go on to be happy and successful individuals, and try to remain within the community game. Current Academy Manager Michael Heap has just completed his third year leading the programme. Speaking about the Academy he commented: “We like to work slightly differently on our performance pathways here in the north east. Our SPARC Player Development Programme is an innovation we are proud of. “Ultimately we know that our Academy will be measured on how many elite level players we produce but we feel that we have a responsibility to enhance every player who is part of it. “We want every single player to remain within the game and help raise standards across the region. “Looking forward our aim is to build on the comprehensive programme we now have in place. “Our players will continue to improve in all essential areas to not only compete but to excel at the highest levels of the game. “A strong focus on enhancing the skills and understanding needed to perform at the top as well as the habits that underpin that will take centre stage. “This will see the emergence of The Thunder Way of playing the game which we hope will translate into our unique and recognisable brand of rugby. “We are confident that this will see Thunder Academy products playing at the top level of the game in the next three years. “We are also putting a big focus on our relationship with all of our community clubs. We are extremely grateful for the dedication and commitment of our ever growing volunteer base in the north east. “The community game and the performance pathway must complement each other and provide the optimal environment for both progressing and retaining players within the sport. “We will soon be launching our Coaching Academy which will see accessible CPD for junior coaches locked in for the next two years with a host of benefits such as mentors and an online community for coaches who wish to be involved. “As well as this Thunder Academy continues to work with the North East Rugby League to develop the game in the region and provide a junior sporting experience to be proud of.” https://thunderrugby.co.uk/academy/thunder-reflect-on-academy-progress/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucky 7 Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 6 minutes ago, Newcastle Thunder said: With the 2020 season at all levels of the game now long cancelled Newcastle Thunder have taken the opportunity to reflect on progress made so far with their Academy Programme. As well as looking at achievements made to date, the internal review will look at possible improvements that can be implemented and ensure that the drivers and behaviours instilled are in line with the club’s 2030 Super League Mission. Starting out seven years ago under the guidance of Andy Kelly and Chris Chapman the RFL North East Regional Academy programme has now accounted for over 150 competitive first team appearances for the club. The academy, part of the Thunder club since 2016 has seen 12 players make debuts in either league or cup games, from the six year groups that have graduated. Sam Luckley, who has represented Scotland at full international level, is the pick of a crop of players that are currently either with the club or playing in the RFL Championship, League 1 and France’s Elite One competitions. For 2021 current academy player Alex Donaghy will join academy graduates Keiran Hudson and Ollie Gowing in the first team squad. It is also anticipated that a number of other current Thunder academy players will be in involved in new coach Eamon O’Carroll’s squad sessions in 2021. Thunder’s Academy had reached its 2018 target of having players selected for England Youth/Academy each year. Alex Donaghy, Nathan Clemmitt, Isaac Nokes and Jake Anderson have all pulled on the national team’s shirt, and in early 2020 all four being selected in the National Academy Performance Squad. These selections saw Thunder only behind five Super League clubs in terms of representation and gaining more spots than a number of the more established academies. The Academy programme is run alongside a full-time education course in partnership with Tyne Met College. It develops individual players’ on-field progression alongside strength and conditioning, sports psychology, lifestyle, parental engagement and education give players the foundations to achieve their potential. The Rugby League education course has consistently been the top performer within Tyne Met and has seen countless graduates progress into a wide range of further education and vocational training or work. There are now young men combining their aspiring rugby careers alongside education on university courses such as Physiotherapy, Psychology, Applied Sports Science, Engineering and Business Management. The steady stream of players that have been provided to Northumbria University has contributed to them establishing themselves as the top RL University in the country, winning the National Championship 3 years running. Whilst not every player who comes through Thunder Academy will go on to play rugby league professionally, it is imperative to the club that all players go on to be happy and successful individuals, and try to remain within the community game. Current Academy Manager Michael Heap has just completed his third year leading the programme. Speaking about the Academy he commented: “We like to work slightly differently on our performance pathways here in the north east. Our SPARC Player Development Programme is an innovation we are proud of. “Ultimately we know that our Academy will be measured on how many elite level players we produce but we feel that we have a responsibility to enhance every player who is part of it. “We want every single player to remain within the game and help raise standards across the region. “Looking forward our aim is to build on the comprehensive programme we now have in place. “Our players will continue to improve in all essential areas to not only compete but to excel at the highest levels of the game. “A strong focus on enhancing the skills and understanding needed to perform at the top as well as the habits that underpin that will take centre stage. “This will see the emergence of The Thunder Way of playing the game which we hope will translate into our unique and recognisable brand of rugby. “We are confident that this will see Thunder Academy products playing at the top level of the game in the next three years. “We are also putting a big focus on our relationship with all of our community clubs. We are extremely grateful for the dedication and commitment of our ever growing volunteer base in the north east. “The community game and the performance pathway must complement each other and provide the optimal environment for both progressing and retaining players within the sport. “We will soon be launching our Coaching Academy which will see accessible CPD for junior coaches locked in for the next two years with a host of benefits such as mentors and an online community for coaches who wish to be involved. “As well as this Thunder Academy continues to work with the North East Rugby League to develop the game in the region and provide a junior sporting experience to be proud of.” https://thunderrugby.co.uk/academy/thunder-reflect-on-academy-progress/ Keep up the good work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scubby Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 12 minutes ago, Newcastle Thunder said: With the 2020 season at all levels of the game now long cancelled Newcastle Thunder have taken the opportunity to reflect on progress made so far with their Academy Programme. As well as looking at achievements made to date, the internal review will look at possible improvements that can be implemented and ensure that the drivers and behaviours instilled are in line with the club’s 2030 Super League Mission. Starting out seven years ago under the guidance of Andy Kelly and Chris Chapman the RFL North East Regional Academy programme has now accounted for over 150 competitive first team appearances for the club. The academy, part of the Thunder club since 2016 has seen 12 players make debuts in either league or cup games, from the six year groups that have graduated. Sam Luckley, who has represented Scotland at full international level, is the pick of a crop of players that are currently either with the club or playing in the RFL Championship, League 1 and France’s Elite One competitions. For 2021 current academy player Alex Donaghy will join academy graduates Keiran Hudson and Ollie Gowing in the first team squad. It is also anticipated that a number of other current Thunder academy players will be in involved in new coach Eamon O’Carroll’s squad sessions in 2021. Thunder’s Academy had reached its 2018 target of having players selected for England Youth/Academy each year. Alex Donaghy, Nathan Clemmitt, Isaac Nokes and Jake Anderson have all pulled on the national team’s shirt, and in early 2020 all four being selected in the National Academy Performance Squad. These selections saw Thunder only behind five Super League clubs in terms of representation and gaining more spots than a number of the more established academies. The Academy programme is run alongside a full-time education course in partnership with Tyne Met College. It develops individual players’ on-field progression alongside strength and conditioning, sports psychology, lifestyle, parental engagement and education give players the foundations to achieve their potential. The Rugby League education course has consistently been the top performer within Tyne Met and has seen countless graduates progress into a wide range of further education and vocational training or work. There are now young men combining their aspiring rugby careers alongside education on university courses such as Physiotherapy, Psychology, Applied Sports Science, Engineering and Business Management. The steady stream of players that have been provided to Northumbria University has contributed to them establishing themselves as the top RL University in the country, winning the National Championship 3 years running. Whilst not every player who comes through Thunder Academy will go on to play rugby league professionally, it is imperative to the club that all players go on to be happy and successful individuals, and try to remain within the community game. Current Academy Manager Michael Heap has just completed his third year leading the programme. Speaking about the Academy he commented: “We like to work slightly differently on our performance pathways here in the north east. Our SPARC Player Development Programme is an innovation we are proud of. “Ultimately we know that our Academy will be measured on how many elite level players we produce but we feel that we have a responsibility to enhance every player who is part of it. “We want every single player to remain within the game and help raise standards across the region. “Looking forward our aim is to build on the comprehensive programme we now have in place. “Our players will continue to improve in all essential areas to not only compete but to excel at the highest levels of the game. “A strong focus on enhancing the skills and understanding needed to perform at the top as well as the habits that underpin that will take centre stage. “This will see the emergence of The Thunder Way of playing the game which we hope will translate into our unique and recognisable brand of rugby. “We are confident that this will see Thunder Academy products playing at the top level of the game in the next three years. “We are also putting a big focus on our relationship with all of our community clubs. We are extremely grateful for the dedication and commitment of our ever growing volunteer base in the north east. “The community game and the performance pathway must complement each other and provide the optimal environment for both progressing and retaining players within the sport. “We will soon be launching our Coaching Academy which will see accessible CPD for junior coaches locked in for the next two years with a host of benefits such as mentors and an online community for coaches who wish to be involved. “As well as this Thunder Academy continues to work with the North East Rugby League to develop the game in the region and provide a junior sporting experience to be proud of.” https://thunderrugby.co.uk/academy/thunder-reflect-on-academy-progress/ This is all brilliant news. Could you put it in a 400-page bound submission please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 It’s always so good to read about what Thunder are doing in the NE. I hope to see them in SL soon, preferably at the expense of a team who do little for anyone but themselves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damien Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 Great news once again from Newcastle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkw Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 Brilliant stuff by Newcastle, I'm always jealous when I read these kind of things especially knowing some of the quality players the have from West Cumbria. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davo5 Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 16 minutes ago, dkw said: Brilliant stuff by Newcastle, I'm always jealous when I read these kind of things especially knowing some of the quality players the have from West Cumbria. Which shows the shortsightedness of the RFL in disbanding the Cumbria academy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkw Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 3 minutes ago, Davo5 said: Which shows the shortsightedness of the RFL in disbanding the Cumbria academy. Yeah that was ridiculous, gave it to widnes first too didn't they? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davo5 Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 2 minutes ago, dkw said: Yeah that was ridiculous, gave it to widnes first too didn't they? Yes they did and Widnes did nothing with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fighting irish Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 2 hours ago, Newcastle Thunder said: With the 2020 season at all levels of the game now long cancelled Newcastle Thunder have taken the opportunity to reflect on progress made so far with their Academy Programme. As well as looking at achievements made to date, the internal review will look at possible improvements that can be implemented and ensure that the drivers and behaviours instilled are in line with the club’s 2030 Super League Mission. Starting out seven years ago under the guidance of Andy Kelly and Chris Chapman the RFL North East Regional Academy programme has now accounted for over 150 competitive first team appearances for the club. The academy, part of the Thunder club since 2016 has seen 12 players make debuts in either league or cup games, from the six year groups that have graduated. Sam Luckley, who has represented Scotland at full international level, is the pick of a crop of players that are currently either with the club or playing in the RFL Championship, League 1 and France’s Elite One competitions. For 2021 current academy player Alex Donaghy will join academy graduates Keiran Hudson and Ollie Gowing in the first team squad. It is also anticipated that a number of other current Thunder academy players will be in involved in new coach Eamon O’Carroll’s squad sessions in 2021. Thunder’s Academy had reached its 2018 target of having players selected for England Youth/Academy each year. Alex Donaghy, Nathan Clemmitt, Isaac Nokes and Jake Anderson have all pulled on the national team’s shirt, and in early 2020 all four being selected in the National Academy Performance Squad. These selections saw Thunder only behind five Super League clubs in terms of representation and gaining more spots than a number of the more established academies. The Academy programme is run alongside a full-time education course in partnership with Tyne Met College. It develops individual players’ on-field progression alongside strength and conditioning, sports psychology, lifestyle, parental engagement and education give players the foundations to achieve their potential. The Rugby League education course has consistently been the top performer within Tyne Met and has seen countless graduates progress into a wide range of further education and vocational training or work. There are now young men combining their aspiring rugby careers alongside education on university courses such as Physiotherapy, Psychology, Applied Sports Science, Engineering and Business Management. The steady stream of players that have been provided to Northumbria University has contributed to them establishing themselves as the top RL University in the country, winning the National Championship 3 years running. Whilst not every player who comes through Thunder Academy will go on to play rugby league professionally, it is imperative to the club that all players go on to be happy and successful individuals, and try to remain within the community game. Current Academy Manager Michael Heap has just completed his third year leading the programme. Speaking about the Academy he commented: “We like to work slightly differently on our performance pathways here in the north east. Our SPARC Player Development Programme is an innovation we are proud of. “Ultimately we know that our Academy will be measured on how many elite level players we produce but we feel that we have a responsibility to enhance every player who is part of it. “We want every single player to remain within the game and help raise standards across the region. “Looking forward our aim is to build on the comprehensive programme we now have in place. “Our players will continue to improve in all essential areas to not only compete but to excel at the highest levels of the game. “A strong focus on enhancing the skills and understanding needed to perform at the top as well as the habits that underpin that will take centre stage. “This will see the emergence of The Thunder Way of playing the game which we hope will translate into our unique and recognisable brand of rugby. “We are confident that this will see Thunder Academy products playing at the top level of the game in the next three years. “We are also putting a big focus on our relationship with all of our community clubs. We are extremely grateful for the dedication and commitment of our ever growing volunteer base in the north east. “The community game and the performance pathway must complement each other and provide the optimal environment for both progressing and retaining players within the sport. “We will soon be launching our Coaching Academy which will see accessible CPD for junior coaches locked in for the next two years with a host of benefits such as mentors and an online community for coaches who wish to be involved. “As well as this Thunder Academy continues to work with the North East Rugby League to develop the game in the region and provide a junior sporting experience to be proud of.” https://thunderrugby.co.uk/academy/thunder-reflect-on-academy-progress/ This is a shining example to all, involved in the game. Congratulations to everyone involved for their ongoing efforts and in particular to the brave and visionary architects of the plan. Can you tell me, if anyone is cataloguing the work, for the benefit of other areas? One of the ways in which the game has missed its potential is by not modelling excellence wherever it appears and replicating it across the country. Your achievements silence all the knockers who say RL is just a ''niche'' activity, inherently unpopular, can't be introduced to non-heartland areas and as such, will never grow its participation/fan base. Like Bob Brown at Hemel Hempstead, you have shown just what can be achieved with lofty goals, true unwavering belief and great energy. I sincerely hope the RFL will ''model'' and create a ''how to'' manual to advise any/all new areas how to follow in your footsteps so we can see the game reach its potential in this country and across the Northern Hemisphere. I wonder how the Welsh RL development programme compares with the NE as I'm sure the growth of the game in Wales could be accelerated by implementing some or all of your methods. Well done to all concerned. There should be a clutch of Honours list nominations in recognition of your services to Rugby League Football. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yipyee Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 1 hour ago, Davo5 said: Which shows the shortsightedness of the RFL in disbanding the Cumbria academy. There are 2 clubs and neither are / were in a position to take the academy on. The midlands academy and removal of the drvelopment officers was the real damaging one as at leasf cumbrians still make it to the top Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davo5 Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 10 minutes ago, yipyee said: There are 2 clubs and neither are / were in a position to take the academy on. The midlands academy and removal of the drvelopment officers was the real damaging one as at leasf cumbrians still make it to the top Behave,how many more Cumbrian players would there be in Superleague if the RFL invested in the area. Both clubs have ran scholarship/academies previously and Whitehaven were refused a license a couple of seasons ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yipyee Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 41 minutes ago, Davo5 said: Behave,how many more Cumbrian players would there be in Superleague if the RFL invested in the area. Both clubs have ran scholarship/academies previously and Whitehaven were refused a license a couple of seasons ago. Most players who are good enough will find a way to the top although i agree a few more would also be there. I get what you say about both clubs but they couldnt give the academy to one club over the other and neith was a perfect pathway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUBRATS Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 4 hours ago, Scubby said: This is all brilliant news. Could you put it in a 400-page bound submission please? Why ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cumbrian Mackem Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 Fantastic news and amazing progress being made in an expansion area and football mad area as well. Just shows what can be done and achieved with the right people and approach. With Middlesbrough getting a couple of 2021 World Cup games is there any plans in place for the thunder to capitalize and build on this at grassroots level in the Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar and greater teeside area? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newcastle Thunder Posted December 1, 2020 Author Share Posted December 1, 2020 4 hours ago, Cumbrian Mackem said: Fantastic news and amazing progress being made in an expansion area and football mad area as well. Just shows what can be done and achieved with the right people and approach. With Middlesbrough getting a couple of 2021 World Cup games is there any plans in place for the thunder to capitalize and build on this at grassroots level in the Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar and greater teeside area? Big plans We now have 4 full time Community Development Officers, one of them will be looking after TeesValley We already have a two strong clubs in Yarm Wolves and Hartlepool Hurricanes but will be adding a further 3 clubs in the next two years. we have a story about our community growth coming out today. the North East is the new heartland Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookey Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 Congratulations,well done. Hope someone takes notice and promotes you to the Championship. Is there a case to work with York and try and fill in the holes in north Yorks/Durham,where to be fair,RU is quitestrong with clubs like Malton,Driffield,Pocklington,North Ribb,Middlesborough etc. Anyway,well done and hope you get the recognition you deserve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newcastle Thunder Posted December 1, 2020 Author Share Posted December 1, 2020 39 minutes ago, cookey said: Congratulations,well done. Hope someone takes notice and promotes you to the Championship. Is there a case to work with York and try and fill in the holes in north Yorks/Durham,where to be fair,RU is quitestrong with clubs like Malton,Driffield,Pocklington,North Ribb,Middlesborough etc. Anyway,well done and hope you get the recognition you deserve. We don’t think so, we have the north east covered fine with development plans in place. York are doing a great job developing that area but nothing wrong with working together to share ideas and best practices It’s great to see the game expanding Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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