The academy will mirror the work of the current SRU system and focus on six main strands in developing the players; technical, tactical, mental, physical, nutrition and team functioning.
A management board will supervise the work of the academy comprising; the club President, Director of Rugby, Youth Convenor and 1st XV coaches. The Ayr Rugby Academy will be led by its Head Coach, Colin White (pictured below) who is a qualified PE teacher and former professional rugby player with Glasgow Warriors and in Italy. Colin has played age grade rugby for Scotland at U18, U19 and U21 levels as well as a couple of seasons for Scotland Sevens in the IRB World series events.
The club has plans to refurbish and develop the facilities at Millbrae which will support the work of the Academy.
A range of players have been nominated and selected to join and are now completing their applications. More details later.
"This is an important development for the club," says President Billy McHarg. " We see this as a logical step for our club and for future academy provision in Scotland. The club invests heavily in rugby across all ages and we recognise the need to offer as much as we can to our players. Colin is an ideal appointment given his experiences and qualifications."
Players will benefit from flexible, individual programmes including important, relevant strength and conditioning advice. It is expected that between 25-35 players will take up the offer of a place with the youngest players aged 13 years and the oldest likely to be playing in the 1st XV at 22.
Whilst the work of the new Ayr Rugby Academy is just beginning there will be an official launch shortly when the first group of players is confirmed. Watch this space.
