A number of players from the North Region U16 Development Squad recently attended a North West Talent Project education seminar in Londonderry~Derry.

Rugby is one of a number of sports supported under the NW Talent Project to assist the development of local coaches and players.

The North West Talent Project closed its second year with an educational seminar for the athletes, coaches and parents involved in the programme. The aim of the seminar was to provide those in attendance with relevant information on issues which impact on the lives of talented young performers.

Inspirational speakers from each sport delivered a range of presentations, talks and question & answer sessions. The list of speakers included Wendy Henderson (Anti-Doping officer, Sport NI), Paul Dunlop (Mountaineering), Ashleigh Newton (NI Judo), John O’Rawe (NI Wrestling), Matthew Lecky and Scott McNeill (Ulster Hockey).

Niall O’Connor was also in attendance from Ulster Rugby. Coming through the talent pathway having starting his career locally at Limavady GS and becoming a full time professional player Niall was perfectively placed to pass on his advice to the young athletes. He gave a very honest and insightful view to this journey via a Q&A session.

Michael Cooke, Coaching and Club Consultant for Sport Northern Ireland said, ‘One aspect which we wanted to integrate into this year’s talent project was athlete education. The educational seminar was designed to supplement the physical, technical and tactical work that these athletes are engaging in as part of the training schedule. It is important that these athletes understand their development is more than what they do during their training sessions, it’s much more holistic than that. It was great to see parents and coaches in attendance as athletes won’t reach their potential without the support of both.’

The North West Talent Project is organised in partnership with five National Governing Bodies, Derry City Council and Sport Northern Ireland. The aim is to implement bespoke GB programmes that will maximise the potential for Talent Development within the North West area in the sports of Wrestling, Mountaineering, Judo, Hockey and Rugby.

Rugby players attend North West Talent Project Athlete Education Seminar

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