Junior Academy Manager Jamie Taylor chats with LTTV ahead of the 2018/19 U18 League season, which the Tigers youngsters last year went through unbeaten on the way to grand final glory over Gloucester.
A must-see interview for all Leicester Tigers supporters, discussing a wide range of topics and shedding light on the club's commitment to the next generation of Tigers players and the challenges the group face in balancing their formative years, the focus on and priority given to education and balancing that with the rugby programmes, as well as much more.
Scroll down to watch the interview now on LTTV and click here to see Next Generation, a brand-new series this season with members of the Tigers Academy introducing fans to the future stars of the club and getting to know them and their rugby stories ahead of the new year.
Speaking about the season ahead, Taylor says the new additions to the side have helped add energy to the programme and group of returning players for their second season in the club.
"The new lads have added a lot of energy and enthusiasm to what we are doing," he says.
Taylor also discusses the role of the Tigers Academy in not only producing players for the senior squad and beyond, but also in developing young men and preparing them for their next steps in life.
"There are no big timers here."
Junior Tigers Academy Manager, Jamie Taylor
"The focus on the programme, whether we're playing or not, is on development," Taylor says.
With all players currently attending schools across Leicestershire, which Taylor says play a huge role in allowing the youngsters to balance their time accordingly, the Junior Tigers Academy Manager says the primary focus is on education and the duty of the Academy coaching staff is on managing the time with education.
"For all of them, education is the most important part of their life," says Taylor.
Leicester's Academy for many years has been regarded as one of rugby's strongest nurseries of talent and Taylor is confident the health of the development programme at Tigers is strong and fans should be excited for the future.
"The whole club should be really excited about where the Academy is going and the quality of player in it."
Junior Tigers Academy Manager, Jamie Taylor
While success last season was a proud day for the club, supporters and all involved, Taylor admits it is not what the Academy sets out to achieve and developing players in to Leicester senior players and good men is the driving force behind what is done day in, day out at Oval Park.
"It is nice to win an Academy League, but in no way is a measure of success for us," he says.
"We talk a lot about the Academy driving the culture of the club."
Watch the full interview with Taylor below.
