Every summer, the opportunities for upward-aspiring athletes grow, and the Northeast Academy’s addition of a women’s program is another example of such. Earlier this week, the USA Rugby-sanctioned National Development Academy released its inaugural roster of 28 women, about half of which are college-aged and younger. Two squads are currently training in Boston and New York City, respectively, and Academy Director of Coaching Steve Lewis explained what the year will look like for these players.

What exactly is the set-up in terms of training?

All of our players are CIPP registered with USA Rugby. They are required to practice with the Academy once a week in Boston or New York, as well as twice a week with their local home club. They are not required to register with any specific club and can CIPP with whomever they choose. They are, however, encouraged to play for a club that is competing in the Northeast 7s Series throughout the summer. 

Is the Academy a summer-only program? And if not, will the local players continue working with the ODA through the 15s season?

The Academy is a year-round training program, and we aim to mirror International Best Practices, which aim for around 50-60 games of 7s over the course of the year. Players will be required to keep up with the Strength and Conditioning coach and the Performance Data Analyst programs to improve their physical test scores. They can certainly do that playing 15s with their home clubs, but the Academy's 7s fitness standards will be continually assessed throughout the year as well.

We are working with the ARPTC [American Rugby Pro Training Center] on year-round residence that is in step with the Academy's program and will be communicating with each player's home club coaches regarding their progress with skills, fitness, and strength.

In reference to the competitive schedule, it is similar to the men’s with the bulk of matches coming in the summer, a second block in November/December with tournaments in NYC and Trinidad and Tobago, and then again in February/March when we are focused on the Las Vegas Invitational.

How will squads be chosen for this upcoming tours/tournaments?

The Academy's tournament rosters will be comprised of players who have performed well within each Academy training program and extremely well in their home club's local competitions. Players from the Northeast enrolled in college programs are available for selection, and we may include occasional guest players, if requested by the national team coaches or High Performance partners.

You'll be able to see the Northeast Academy's first product on Saturday, August 27 during the City Elite 7s in Philadelphia.

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