Cov Regional Academy Announced

An update - posted by Cov Supporters' Club Chair Paul Ingleston:

"Regional Academy Launch - snapshot.

Here's just a quick review of last night at the BPA.
Attended by about 400+ , young players, 14 and upwards, parents and local club representative's. Speakers from Cov included Alex Rae, Nick Johnson, Gordon Ross ( sorry , missed the other speaker's introductions as assisting with registration, but were from local clubs).

NJ opened up with how this had started, reorganization of Academy system, know as the carve-up henceforth, cancellation of the Midlands Academy, new groupings, east of our area, Rugby etc, Inc Rugby School gone to Saints, North, Nuneaton etc gone to Tigers, South, Warwick, Worcester etc gone to Gloucester. These new areas including the prized Rugby and Warwick schools are on the pathway. If you're in it, you win it?
Anyway, there was enough disquiet about this that people, parents and others contacted the Coventry club and that's how it's been gaining momentum.
The point was made that this is going to be self-funded, no GB money. Money will have to be raised.
The mechanics of it is games with be organised from February to May, once players have finished with their other commitments. It was stressed that local clubs will still have their players but training with coaches at the BPA would be arranged , tba.
In reply to a question about coaching qualifications, it was mentioned that the coaching would be of a sufficiently high standard but in the Coventry way.
Slides were presented, an Academy Manager will soon appointed, and it was also said, that programmes such as these usually take 15 months to take off, this has been 15 weeks!
But, looking at the response, it would seem the desire and interest is there.
A Q and A then followed, lots of ' how do' questions and met with equally frank responses. AR said when he went to Worcester at 16 he would have like to have had something like this.
NJ, ' we do sometimes get it wrong, but we get over it, and we relish players who get the chance to go on to higher levels. George Smith and the others who are now in the Premiership as examples '.

Finally, the biggest laugh of the night was when someone pointed out the ' typo' on the screen, regarding the upcoming match, LEICESTER. This was gently pointed out that there was no typo, it was LEINSTER;

Just to bookmark this game on Monday 29th July, this game has come Coventry's way as a result of scheduled opponents, Cardiff Blues, pulling out. Leinster are playing Bristol on the Friday evening, a group of 40 travelling. As NJ said, " it's going to be a very tough ask but to play against probably the best set-up going could be a good start.'

On future Regional opponents, Doncaster, Ealing , with contacts between Scottish and Welsh clubs in play .

Hope this provides a taste of what was mentioned.

Paul"

Thank you Paul.