SA LEGENDS ACADEMY

INTRODUCTION

The gap between school and club, as well as provincial rugby/sport, is not only a local problem but is experienced more so in the Border due to the size of the area.

Players are grown at school receiving input through the respective Unions climbing from Under 9's to the 1st XV over the years with motivation through inter-provincial and Craven Week competitions and then lost. The problem is even worse in the Eastern Cape here we spot the young talent in the rural areas and offer the player a sport bursary at one of our many good schools .This player becomes accustomed to the way of living and becomes even a hero at the school where he plays 1st Team. The problem is after school where this player is lost into the system as he does not have the money to go to Varsity or college, he can't go home, does not fit in there anymore and he is not in the system to be grabbed by one the provinces. The end result is this player becomes disillusioned and does not play again.

A selected few get recognized for their talents and get offered contracts at the larger provinces. Border schools always do well at Craven Week yet out Under 19s and Under 21s seem to struggle because our homegrown players get hijacked.

We have unlimited player resources from our Rural areas which go unnoticed thus losing future stars.

OJECTIVES

¤ The main objective of the Academy is to identify talent at school and sub-union level, for admission of players between the ages of 18 and 21 years.
¤ The Academy will become the feeder system for professional rugby for the provinces in South Africa.
¤ Strengthen the Under 19s and Under 21s by firstly keeping, then developing local talent as well as rural talent by giving them an opportunity to advance through the structures of Border rugby.
¤ A secondary but equally important objective is to assist in the transformation of rugby by increasing the number of skilled black players available to provincial teams.
¤ The effect of recognizing and developing talented players must impact positively on the number of black players in any of our national teams.
¤ To equip individuals with necessary skills and knowledge needed for a career in the rugby world, either as player, coach, administrator or referee.

INITIAL AIMS

¤ To identify 30-40 players between the ages of 18-21
¤ To develop the rugby skills of players with individual attention provide to the specific position.
¤ To instruct players in Life Skills to enable them to graduate from the Academy as well rounded professional players.
¤ To provide assist with and monitor tertiary education studies, in conjunction with local Technikons and Universities.

THESE WILL BE CARRIED OUT THROUGH:

¤ Talent identification at school and sub -union level by Steyn Swart and coaches.
¤ Obtaining and ensuring parental family involvement and commitment to the training through contractual obligation.
¤ A development and coaching programmed in line with that of THE LEGENDS ACADEMY focusing on speed, strength and conditioning.
¤ A close association with the professional team and Management to ensure continuity, sharing of expertise and the attention to individual requirements.
¤ The most important focus of our Academy is to provide a good balance between Rugby Physical Conditioning, Academic courses, Practical Experience and life skills such as: obtaining a drivers license, career counseling, and self enhancement, entrepreneurship, training and planning for life beyond Rugby.
¤ Commitment by the Academy to, make sure that players being from disadvantaged backgrounds have the same opportunities as everyone else.

FACILITIES

¤ Grens High School /Hostel for Accommodation and Lectures (Place for up to 20 students) Or Students arrange own accommodation
¤ Grens High School Training fields (3)/ Border Absa Stadium.
¤ Gym equip at the hostel
¤ Dining facilities/Grens

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