Junior Regional Wheelchair Rugby Academies
Welcome to the Junior Regional Wheelchair Rugby Academies!
Our academies are dedicated to nurturing young talent and providing a supportive environment for aspiring wheelchair rugby athletes. We aim to develop skills, foster teamwork, and promote the values of sportsmanship and dedication.
Our Mission
To inspire and empower young athletes by offering high-quality training and competitive opportunities in wheelchair rugby.
What We Offer
- Expert Coaching: Our experienced coaches provide personalised training to help each athlete reach their full potential.
- Skill Development: Focused sessions on improving fundamental skills, tactics, and game understanding.
- Competitive Play: Opportunities to participate in regional competitions and showcase talents.
- Inclusive Environment: A welcoming space for athletes of all abilities to learn and grow.
Join Us
Whether you’re new to wheelchair rugby or looking to take your game to the next level, our academies are the perfect place to start. We welcome athletes aged 8-18 to join our community and embark on an exciting journey in wheelchair rugby.
Get Involved
Interested in joining? Contact us at [Jamie.higgins@gbwr.org.uk] or complete one of the applications below:
Coaches Application Form
Junior Player Application Form
.
More detailed information below on ourJunior Regional Wheelchair Rugby Academies
.
Exciting New Initiative
Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) is thrilled to announce it will be launching Junior Regional Wheelchair Rugby Academies in 2025. This exciting initiative aims to bolster junior development, create more playing opportunities, and bridge the gap between club sessions and the talent pathway, ultimately nurturing future athletes.
Regional Academies
Recognising that some clubs may have limited junior participation, these Regional Academies will provide a structured environment for young players to develop their skills and passion for wheelchair rugby alongside their peers. This initiative is crucial for fostering a thriving national junior programme and feeding the talent pipeline.
“We believe this is a game-changer for junior wheelchair rugby in Great Britain,” says Jamie Higgins, Junior Programme Development Officer for GBWR
“These academies will not only provide consistent, high-quality coaching through links with the Talent pathway, but also create a sense of community and competition among young players. We are confident this will lead to increased participation and pave the way for future Wheelchair Rugby Players/Paralympic stars.”
What are the Key Features of the Regional Wheelchair Rugby Academies:
|
Talent Development:
|
A structured environment to nurture young talent and support their development within the Paralympic discipline, aligning with the talent pathway. |
|
Inclusivity:
|
Open to all junior players, including WR5 athletes, fostering inclusivity and preparing athletes for potential future opportunities. |
|
Accessibility:
|
Academies are accessible to juniors regardless of local club affiliation, ensuring access to quality coaching and training for all. |
|
Competition:
|
Regional academy teams will participate in a series of tournaments, promoting a competitive spirit and providing valuable match experience. |
|
Academy Identity:
|
Each academy, through its coaches and players, will have the opportunity to choose its name and have bespoke club kit. |
|
Geographic Boundaries:
|
Players will be assigned to their nearest regional academy (with flexibility for those near borders) and will remain within that academy to maintain team stability and competitiveness. |
|
Regularity:
|
A minimum of five academy sessions will be held per year, typically every other month, complementing club training and league commitments. |
|
Launch Timeframe:
|
Coach recruitment will be underway from May, with the first Selection camp planned for September, followed by sessions in November, January 2026, and a competitive fixture event in February 2026 |
|
Junior Voice:
|
Each academy will be able to elect a player representative to a Junior Panel, ensuring that young players have a voice in shaping the academies’ future. |
Timeline to the Academies:
| March 2025 | Club’s and Junior players Update |
| 15th April 2025 | Information meeting for interested coaches 7-8pm Applications Open |
| 30th May 2025 | Applications Close for interested coaches |
| 30th June 2025 | Coaches Notified |
| 11th July 2025 | Junior invites to September Selection Camp to go out |
| 13th & 14th September 2025 | Coaching CPD for Selected Coaches at Talent Camp |
| September 2025 | Junior selection camp for all Junior players |
| November 2025 | Regional Training Session |
| January 2026 | Regional Training Session |
| 8th February 2026 | Regional Tournament |
Coaching Excellence:
Regional Academies will be led by current GBWR club coaches interested in supporting junior development. GBWR will provide these coaches with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities and a structured syllabus aligned with the talent and elite pathway, ensuring consistent and progressive training for all academy players.
Call to Action for Coaches:
GBWR is seeking enthusiastic coaches to lead these regional academies. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Jamie Higgins Jamie.higgins@gbwr.org.uk or register HERE to be included in the information meeting on 15th April. We also encourage junior players to reach out to Jamie Higgins at GBWR to learn more about joining a Regional Academy. The success of this program hinges on the buy-in from clubs, players and coaches. We value the insights of coaches working directly with junior players and encourage their active participation in this exciting new chapter for wheelchair rugby and the development of the Regional Academies.
Call to Action for Junior Players:
Junior players can register their interest to attend their regions selection camp in September by registering HERE!
