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Saracens Men’s Academy

The Saracens Academy has a strong and proud tradition of producing homegrown players. Currently 51% of the Senior Squad fall in to this category, having progressed through the Academy to sign a senior contract.

The Saracens Academy exists to find, develop and retain players and staff that will contribute to a successful Saracens team (both domestically and in Europe) for the foreseeable future. These people will protect and grow the Saracens culture and values.

Saracens is one of 14 RFU licensed Academies and covers Hertfordshire and areas of Essex and Kent.

Find out more about the Academy Pathway

Academy Vision

“To make the Saracens Academy a world class development programme for players and staff. Providing individuals, the opportunity to grow and flourish, both personally and professionally, in a supportive and caring environment.”

Newcastle Falcons A v Saracens StormPremiership Rugby Shield

Developing Player Programme (DPP)

The DPP is the interface between the community game and the professional pathway. It provides players aged 13-16 with the greatest potential to enter the pathway towards the professional game and an opportunity for coaches and teachers to develop and coach within a Talent development programme.

Saracens v GloucesterGallagher Premiership2022/2023

Each county has an enthusiastic set of coaches who are as focussed on making continual improvement. They will be supported by full time Saracens staff to make every session a great development opportunity for players and coaches alike.

Our player identification aims to look at each individual and assess them amongst peers, with an understanding that development rates differ. This means our assessment days, training and support will be shaped by the person. The Developing Player Programme is designed for the developing player. You will work on rugby, physical development and behaviours that we believe will help you grow as a player and person.

At Saracens, we believe talent is in behaviours. Players are not born great or talented. Attitude, understanding of your own needs and the ability to organise yourselves and others are core attributes. Those who work hard will grow. We will respect and value you for what you bring to every session.

Coach Development

The Academy Coach Development Officer (ACDO) will oversee the recruitment and development of each coach on the DPP.

Saracens v AmpthillPre Season Friendly

Each season a complimentary CPD programme will enable existing and potential coaches working in the Saracens pathway programmes, the chance to develop and continue to provide a high-quality environment for the players.

How to get involved?

Minimum requirements: for a coach on the DPP or County PDG:

  • RFU Level 2 coaching award
  • Valid RFU DBS certificate
  • RFU Play it Safe workshop
  • Headcase certificate

 

Coach Development Contacts

Andy Dawling (Saracens ACDO): Andydawling@saracens.net

Lewis Sones (Assistant ACDO): lewissones@saracens.net

Kent: kentDPP@Saracens.net

Essex: EssexDPP@Saracens.net

Herts: HertsDPP@Saracens.net

County Player Development Group (County PDG)

The County Player Development group provides opportunities for players in Herts, Essex and Kent.

Saracens Training & Summer CampRugby Union 2022/23

The County PDG aims to provide further development opportunities for players aged 14-16 that show more potential to progress through the Saracens Academy Pathway. Players are exposed to more contact time which provides a focus on physical development as well as technical and tactical skill development.

The Saracens Player Development Group (SPDG)

The Saracens Player Development Group (SPDG) is designed to help identify and facilitate the development of players aged 15-18 who have demonstrated some of the behaviours and characteristics to become a Saracens player of the future.

Saracens Training & Summer CampRugby Union 2022/23

The SPDG players will receive:

  • Weekly coaching from full-time Saracens coaches
  • Opportunity to attend a Performance Centre (weekly)
  • Access to the Academy physiotherapist
  • Performance seminars / information

Senior Academy

Senior Academy players are aged 18-23. The senior academy players are fully integrated into the Saracens senior squad and learn how to be a full-time professional athlete.

Harlequins v SaracensPremiership Cup

All senior academy players are expected to undertake some form of career development alongside their rugby in order to best prepare them for the transition into a second career and life after rugby. This can be anything from an undergraduate degree, a trade course or a formal work placement.

Saracens have excellent relationships with a number of universities that are able to provide a wide range of courses and the flexibility required to study alongside being a professional rugby player. Additionally, the club uses its extensive network of business contacts to provide a wide choice of work placement options to suit most players.

Senior academy players can be dual registered with a Championship and national league club. This provides players with the opportunity to get the game time they need to maximise their development. This supplements the opportunities these players get to play for the Saracens Storm (2nd XV) in the Premiership Shield competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a trial for the Academy?

We have excellent relationships with the counties in our region. We have teachers and coaches around the region and in various sectors of the game keeping a look out for potential talent for us. Outside of this, anyone can nominate a player to us if they feel they have real potential and meet the criteria found in the “what we look for” section by emailing academyadmin@saracens.net.

All nominated players will be added to a regional database and once they achieve a certain number of independent nominations, they will be viewed for a potential invite into the Academy pathway at the most appropriate level. Our message to all aspiring players is to concentrate on playing well for your team and enjoying your rugby because if you are doing this you give yourself the best chance of being identified by the Academy.

What do you look for in a young player?

There are no set criteria to define what a player must be capable of to be selected by the Academy because everyone is different. We look at character, athletic potential, a point of difference and skillset. Players with potential will be coachable, competitive and demonstrate some of the Saracens core values. Players with the most potential need to have the “something” that makes them stand out from their peers. That can be anything, but examples would be: work rate, communication, leadership, skills, competitiveness, speed, agility etc. We also believe that players need to have good skills – core skills, contact skills and positional skills that will enable them to perform well when put under pressure.

All nominated players will be added to a regional database and once they achieve a certain number of independent nominations, they will be viewed for a potential invite into the Academy pathway at the most appropriate level. Our message to all aspiring players is to concentrate on playing well for your team and enjoying your rugby because if you are doing this you give yourself the best chance of being identified by the Academy.

How many games of rugby should I play each week?

Over the course of a season we would expect players to be playing between 25 and 35 games per year to maximize development and avoid burnout. In essence we work on the basis that one game of rugby per week is ideal for player development. This is to allow adequate recovery, training and preparation ahead of your next game. There are times when fixtures will be slightly congested for some teams and our advice here is to choose the highest standard game to play in. The Saracens academy staff will assist with the competition plans of players in the SPDG and get agreement from schools and clubs involved to ensure a player centred approach is adopted at all times.

Are all Academy players contracted?

No. All players working within the Academy are registered with us but only a handful of players will ever gain a professional contract once they reach 18 years of age. Each player is viewed in isolation and their potential to play at the highest levels will dictate whether or not a player is offered a part-time or full-time contract with the club.

If I'm in the Academy do I need to continue with my education?

We insist that all senior academy players undertake some form of career development alongside their rugby. This can be to continue with their education or develop vocational interests alongside their rugby because for those fortunate enough to make a career out of playing rugby, it is not a life-long job.  We also have strong links with a number of universities and have an extensive network of business contacts to assist with work placements.

If I'm in the Academy which team will I play for?

We have the Saracens Storm team that competes against other Premiership clubs in the Premiership Shield Competition. This team consists of predominantly 1st XV and Senior Academy players. We also have an U18 Team that plays in an U18 Academy League against other Premiership clubs. We also run U16 and U15 Teams that participates in various Academy festivals against other premiership clubs. None of these teams have a full fixture list so all Academy players will have an external playing programme for other teams, whether it be their club, school, college, university or county. All Academy players have a bespoke playing programme tailored to their individual development needs.

Does everyone in the Academy become a professional player?

No. It is important for players and parents to understand that there are a very small number of career opportunities within professional rugby. Only a few contracts will ever be offered each year to Academy graduates, so the vast majority of players will exit the Academy programme at some stage, hopefully having enjoyed and learned from their experiences. Because of this, we place a big emphasis on players enjoying their time with the Academy and help them develop socially and educationally alongside their rugby development.

What happens if I'm released from the Academy?

If a player is released from the Academy, they will undertake a release process. This will help direct them towards an appropriate playing or education programme for them. Not everyone will become a professional player so the exit routes we have are vital in strengthening relationships with the community game. Some players may even be nominated for talent transfer programmes.
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On the evening of Wednesday 11th May, a host of Saracens Womens players will be descending on StoneX Stadium to take on the role of coach and give young players from the community the chance to learn from the very best.

The session is open to all players aged U11 – U18 and will provide an opportunity to work with players on a number of skill stations alongside Saracens’ award winning community coaches and high-profile Saracens players under the floodlights of StoneX Stadium on the 4G pitch!

The session will allow young players to train in a fun and enjoyable environment developing individual concepts such as catch & pass, evasion and game play.

The coaching session will be followed by an opportunity to collect autographs and mingle with the players responsible for some of the most expansive and entertaining rugby in the Allianz Premiership 15s.

OVERVIEW

The Saracens Players Coaching Event is Saracens’ most immersive coaching experience. The programme, following on from the mens event which is now in its eighth season, will look to provide a similar experience in this first event of its kind for the Womens Team at the club.

Saracens profile players are able to attend these evenings to pass on their expert coaching tips to young players across the community. The Saracens players will instil some of the values that drive them, urging young talent to work hard; play with honesty, humility and discipline whilst working together as a team.

Each child will receive their very own limited edition t-shirt to train in and the evening will conclude with an opportunity to collect autographs plus have photos taken with some of the biggest names in the Gallagher Premiership, most of whom are often unable to attend our traditional rugby camps programme.

Specific Course Information:
Course: Saracens Players Coaching Event
Venue: StoneX Stadium
Date: 11/05/22
Time: 18.00 – 18:15 – Arrival for registration
18:30 – Rugby sessions begin
19:30/19:45 – Rugby sessions end & autograph session begins
20:30 – Event close
Ages: U11 – U18
Price: £50.00

Players to be confirmed
*Selected players may be subject to change due to injury, illness or other rugby commitments.

SARACENS RESIDENTIAL RUGBY CAMP

Come and experience the life of a professional rugby player on our residential camp. For two days and one night you will eat, sleep, train, recover and abide by the Core Values in the same way as the Saracens first team do daily.

Throughout your time with some of our top coaches you will work on differing skills that will make you a more rounded player and give you the ability to view the game from different perspectives on the pitch. You will develop skills in leadership, decision making and goal setting as well as creating a game plan that will suit the players around you.

Outside of training the players will learn more about nutrition, the best ways to recover after rugby activity and what work is done away from the pitch in terms of preparation and analysis, all of which will help players achieve their goals set out with coaches throughout the camp.

Our coaches will each bring a range of skills all specialising in different areas of the game. Their knowledge will enable players to work on position specific skills, as well as giving them the opportunity to learn something new, including kicking, scrummaging and passing as well as the contact areas of the game.

Whilst at a Saracens Rugby Camp children will strive to adhere to our core values:

Discipline

We understand our role within the team and commit to be the best that we can be.

Honesty

We are honest with our self and help create a safe environment where others can give and receive honest feedback.

Work Rate

We work together as a team and always give 100%.

Humility

We are good losers as well as good winners and we treat everyone with respect.

Included

TRAVELLING BY TRAIN

The stadium is served by four train stations:

  1. White Hart Lane (London Overground): approx. 5 mins walk to the stadium – that’s more or less 500 steps for those of you with fitness apps.
  2. Northumberland Park (Abellio Greater Anglia services): approx. 10 mins walk to the stadium and about 1,000 steps.
  3. Tottenham Hale (Victoria line and Abellio Greater Anglia services): approx. 25 mins walk to the stadium and roughly 2,500 steps.
  4. Seven Sisters (Victoria line and London Overground): approx. 30 mins walk to the stadium and around 3,000 steps.

You are advised to check your journey prior to leaving in case of any line closures or diversions.

Travelling through Victoria
Take the Victoria line to Seven Sisters or Tottenham Hale, then take a bus to the stadium or walk. If you wish to take the Overground to White Hart Lane, you are advised to board at Liverpool Street.

Travelling through Waterloo
Take the Northern line to Euston and then use the Victoria line as above.

Travelling through Paddington or Marylebone
Take the Circle line to Liverpool Street for trains to Northumberland Park or White Hart Lane. Alternatively, you could take the Metropolitan line to Kings Cross and the Victoria line as above. (If you are travelling through Marylebone you will need to walk to Baker Street to access the Circle and Metropolitan lines).

Travelling through Euston or Kings Cross St Pancras
An alternative to using the Victoria line is to take the Circle or Metropolitan lines to Liverpool Street for trains to Northumberland Park or White Hart Lane.

Travelling through Liverpool Street
Use London Overground for direct trains to White Hart Lane, or Greater Anglia for direct trains to Northumberland Park.

Travelling through Stratford
Take a direct Greater Anglia train to Northumberland Park.

Travelling through Fenchurch Street
Walk to Liverpool Street for trains to Northumberland Park or White Hart Lane.

TRAVELLING BY TUBE

Travelling through Victoria
Take the Victoria line to Seven Sisters or Tottenham Hale, then take a bus to the stadium or walk. If you wish to take the Overground to White Hart Lane, you are advised to board at Liverpool Street.

Travelling through Waterloo
Take the Northern line to Euston and then use the Victoria line as above.

Travelling through Paddington or Marylebone
Take the Circle line to Liverpool Street for trains to Northumberland Park or White Hart Lane. Alternatively, you could take the Metropolitan line to Kings Cross and the Victoria line as above. (If you are travelling through Marylebone you will need to walk to Baker Street to access the Circle and Metropolitan lines).

Travelling through Euston or Kings Cross St Pancras
An alternative to using the Victoria line is to take the Circle or Metropolitan lines to Liverpool Street for trains to Northumberland Park or White Hart Lane.

Travelling through Liverpool Street
Use London Overground for direct trains to White Hart Lane, or Greater Anglia for direct trains to Northumberland Park.

Travelling through Stratford
Take a direct Greater Anglia train to Northumberland Park.

Travelling through Fenchurch Street
Walk to Liverpool Street for trains to Northumberland Park or White Hart Lane.

You are advised to check your journey prior to leaving in case of any line closures or diversions.

TRAVELLING BY BUS

The stadium is well-served by TfL buses, albeit with some services diverted during the road closure period.

Bus diversions will be minimised, so they are back operating on the High Road as soon as possible after the final whistle.

Before and during a match, services that normally run up and down the High Road (149, 259, 279 and 349) are diverted to the east of the stadium at Lansdowne Road, rejoining the High Road at the Northumberland Park junction.

You are advised to check your journey prior to leaving in case of any line closures or diversions.

CYCLING TO THE STADIUM

We encourage spectators to cycle to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.  There is ample cycle parking around the stadium and at the Tottenham Community Sports Centre and St Francis De Sales School, with capacity for 220 bicycles across the two sites.

Cycle Superhighway 1 begins on Church Road immediately opposite the stadium and runs to Liverpool Street station.

There is both on-street and off-street cycle parking provided in the local area around the stadium.

TRAVELLING BY CAR

No parking
There is no parking available for general admission fans at the stadium.

The road closures also mean that, if you choose to travel by car, you will not be able to exit any car parking facility within the road closure area for one hour after the final whistle.

Therefore, in most cases, we discourage fans from driving to the stadium, so please explore your public transport options before travelling.

Accessible Parking

TBC. For any queries please email supporterservices@saracens.net

DONATE £5 TO ENTER OUR FREE PRIZE DRAW TO WIN … 

…an incredible money can’t buy prize, donated by our good friends at StoneX 

A trip for two people to a Saracens European away game during the 2022-23 season, including return flights with the Saracens squad, staff and guests, one nights hotel accommodation, evening dinner and pre-match lunch with senior Saracens staff and guests, and two tickets to the game.

 

HOW TO ENTER

  1. Make your £5 donation via our online donation link here 
  2. Alternatively, enter for free via the online prize draw form at the bottom of this page 

 

FREE PRIZE DRAW – TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

1. By entering the prize draw you are agreeing to these prize draw Terms and Conditions.

2. The prize draw is being run by Saracens Ltd on behalf of Duchenne UK.

 

Eligibility to Enter

 

3. The prize draw is open to entrants over 18 years of age. Employees of Saracens Ltd are excluded from the prize draw.

4. In entering the prize draw, you confirm that you are eligible to do so and eligible to claim any prize you may win.

6. The prize draw is free to enter.

 

How to Enter

 

7. To be automatically entered into the prize draw simply donate £5 to Duchenne UK, either when purchasing tickets for the Showdown 2 match or via the +5 4 Duchenne donation button at  www.saracens.com/duchenne-uk-theshowndown2-match-day-charity-partner/ from Monday 6th December 2021 until 3.00pm on Saturday 26th March 2022; or enter for free by completing the free entry form at  www.saracens.com/duchenne-uk-theshowndown2-match-day-charity-partner/ from Monday 6th December 2021 until 3.00pm on Saturday 26th March 2022. Entries received after this time and date will not be included in the draw.

8. Saracens will not accept responsibility if contact details provided are incomplete or inaccurate.

 

The Prize

 

9.  The prize will be a trip for two people to a Saracens European away game during the 2022-23 season, including return flights with the Saracens squad, staff and guests, one nights hotel accommodation, evening dinner and pre-match lunch with senior Saracens staff and guests, and two tickets to the game. The two return flights will be economy and will depart and arrive at an airport chosen by Saracens Ltd. The hotel accommodation will be chosen by Saracens Ltd and will include one double or twin bedroom and breakfast for two people. The two winners will join other Saracens guests for an evening three course dinner, including selected wines and beers. The two winners will also join other Saracens guests for a pre-match lunch, either at the stadium or at another venue near the stadium when selected wines and beers will again be provided. 

10. The draw will be made online and the winner drawn at random.

11. The Saracens European away game will be chosen by Saracens Ltd with the winners joining Saracens staff and other guests on this organised trip.

12. The prize is non-exchangeable, non-transferable and no cash alternatives will be offered.

13. If the winner is unable to use the prize they must notify Saracens as soon as possible so that it can be offered to another randomly drawn entrant to the Prize Draw.

14. The decision of Saracens regarding any aspect of the prize draw is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into about it.

 

Winner Announcement

 

15. The winner will be notified after 26th March 2022 via the email address provided.

16. If the winner does not respond to the emails notifying them of their win within 14 days they will lose their right to the prize, and Saracens reserves the right to choose and notify a new winner.

 

Receipt of the Prize

 

17. The winner will be provided with full details of the prize, dates, times and travel plans once the 2022-23 European fixtures have been confirmed.  

 

Data Protection and Publicity

 

18. You consent to any personal information you provide in entering the prize draw being used by Saracens Ltd for the purposes of administering the prize draw, and for those purposes as defined within our privacy notice.

19. All entrants may apply for details of the winning participant by contacting us at e-mail address to be given

20. All personal information shall be used in accordance with Saracens Ltd Privacy Notice.

 

Limitation of Liability

 

21. Saracens Ltd does not accept any liability for any damage, loss, injury or disappointment suffered by any entrants as a result of either participating in the prize draw or being selected for a prize, save that Saracens Ltd does not exclude its liability for death or personal injury as a result of its own negligence.

22. Saracens reserves the right to cancel the prize draw or amend these terms and conditions at any time, without prior notice.

23. The prize draw and these Terms and Conditions will be governed by English law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Thank you for booking your child on a Saracens Rugby Camp. We look forward to welcoming your child to what is set to be an excellent fun-filled few days of coaching, the Saracens way!

Please see below the information regarding the details of the camp. If you have any questions, please contact our Camps Manager at community@saracens.net.

On Arrival

We encourage you to arrive between 09:40 – 09:55 to register your child ahead of a 10:00 start. Please note we cannot be responsible for children before this time.

Collection

Parents of U7’s & U8’s should collect their children at 1.00pm and all other age groups at 3pm. Please give their name to the lead coach of their group and ensure he/she marks your child as collected. Late pick up could incur an additional charge.

Kit List

Remember; “a warm dry child is a happy child” – please take weather conditions into consideration. Please be aware activities will continue unless there are extreme weather conditions, and the following kit is recommended:

Food

Food will not be provided on this camp so please ensure that your child brings a packed lunch plus snacks and water – in a named water bottle.

Medical Treatment

Any medication must be handed in on arrival, unless it is self-administered such as Ventolin. Please put it in a named bag with clear instructions on dosage. You should already have informed us, when booking, of any treatment which your child might need, or of any other allergies / dietary requirements. If there are any medical problems, we will contact you straight away. Please make sure you are available on one of your emergency contact numbers at all times

Coaching

The Camp will be staffed by RFU-accredited coaches who are fully DBS checked and approved and first aid trained; the highest safety measures will be taken

Behaviour

All camps are designed to be enjoyed by every participant. We expect the highest standards of behaviour and conduct on all our camps, and should any players misbehave or bully other participants, we shall have no option but to send them home and payment will be withheld. I am sure that you will understand this and, that as parents/guardians, you will reinforce these points to your children.

Photography

By booking this camp you agree to allow photographs to be taken of your children to be used within future marketing materials and placed on the official website. If you have any concerns or do not wish for photography of your child to be used, please email community@saracens.net or let the site manager know when you register your child at the start of the course on the day.

Disclaimer and Liability

All participants are covered by Public Liability Insurance whilst on the Saracens Rugby camp. However, Saracens Ltd can not be held responsible for any act, omission, loss, or damage such as

Please note this is not an exhaustive list. Nothing in these terms and conditions shall limit Saracens Ltd liability for death or personal injury caused by their negligence or the negligence of its employees.

Cancellations

If a Participant withdraws after booking onto a course, Saracens reserves the right to withhold the full course fee. Any participant withdrawal made prior to 2 weeks before the start date of the event will have the option to a credit for use on a similar camp (subject to a price alteration – No refund will be made on a cheaper course). Any withdrawals made within the 2 weeks before the start date of the camp will not be refunded and there will not be an option to a credit for any reason.

Should the camp not go ahead and be cancelled by the organisation, then all participants will be refunded the monies paid within 30 days of the cancelled event.

We look forward to meeting you and your child at our camp very soon.