ST HELENS Academy has been rated as Outstanding for the fourth year in a row.
The assessment said our system was a model of its type and the outcomes for players along with their experience are of a very high quality.
‘An evaluation of outstanding represents a level of performance which exemplifies best practice. It also implies these very high levels of performance are sustainable and will be maintained.’ it read.
“This is great news for the club,” Saints Chief Executive Mike Rush said. “We have achieved an Outstanding ‘mark’ every year since the audit of Academies began and we are one of only two clubs to achieve this accolade.
“I am very proud of this achievement as it is an area of the club and the game I hold very close to my heart.
“I would like to thank, in no particular order, Derek Traynor, Neil Kilshaw, Ian Talbot, Steve Leonard and the countless number of volunteers who give up their time to promote youth at the club.
“Head coach Nathan Brown bought into and understood our Academy from day one and himself, and his staff, deserve the credit too for giving youngsters who have progressed through our system, the opportunity.
“We won’t rest on our laurels though and will continue to improve and evolve to develop the next St.Helens R.F.C. stars.”
The process of assessment focused upon four key areas of the Academy:
- Achievements of the system – the improvements in the performance of players and coaches over a prolonged period.
- Quality of Leadership and Management – the strategy and vision of the Academy and progress made
- How well Academies meet the needs of players – the welfare, education and safeguarding that is in place
- The Delivery of the Player Development system – The approaches used to optimise the development of players through to your First Grade and England.
