Leicester Tigers : ABC opportunity for young players

A new initiative run by Leicester Tigers aims to develop bigger players in the teenage groups

ABC opportunity for young players

12 February 2008, 1:34 pm

By Gary Sherrard

Leicester Tigers have had an excellent response from players and clubs wanting to find out more about their new ABC initiative to coach and develop young players. And there is still time to apply for a place.

The only requirements for qualification are the strict size criteria involved. Tigers would like to hear from under-14 players who are at least six feet tall and take at least a size 10 boot, from under-15s of at least six feet two inches and size 11 boot, and from under-16s of at least six feet two inches and size 12 boot.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend sessions at Oval Park with some of Tigers? leading development coaches.

?With LTAD (long term athletic development) at the forefront of our minds, the ?big fella? in a team can be overlooked by the traditional selection processes. Age and size issues mean some skills take longer to develop,? said Tigers community manager Scott Clarke. ?We hope this ABC initiative will start to change that and provide an exciting and challenging opportunity for the bigger lads.?

As part of the community programme, working with the professional academy, Tigers will hold a series of workshops for players who fit the physical criteria.

These are not only for experienced players who have come through mini and junior age groups at their clubs or schools, because there is also an opportunity for newcomers to get involved if they meet the entry requirements.

Contact the Tigers Community Department for details and an application form. Call 0116 2171 283, email scott.clarke@tigers.co.uk or write to Scott Clarke, Community Manager, Leicester Tigers, Aylestone Road, Leicester LE2 7TR.

Ayoola Erinle