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Introducing the England Touch Youth Academy: A new era for Youth development
England Touch is proud to launch the England Touch Youth Academy, an innovative programme dedicated to shaping the next generation of Touch talent. This initiative marks a transformative step in our approach to youth development, offering young athletes a structured pathway to excel on and off the field.
The Youth Academy adopts a holistic and inclusive approach, combining world-class coaching with cutting-edge training techniques. Athletes aged 12-18 will benefit from tailored development opportunities, including technical and tactical skills, strength and conditioning programmes, sports psychology, and nutrition education. For the first time, U12 players will also be included in intra-academy matches, providing a crucial introduction to meaningful competition.
The Academy will prepare players for 2025 and beyond, including key events like the Atlantic Youth Touch Cup in Limerick, Ireland (July-August 2025), where England will compete in U15, U18, and U20 categories.
Unlike previous programmes, all athletes selected for the Academy will retain their place on a 12-month cycle, ensuring continuous development even if not selected for touring squads. Non-traveling players will have access to intra-academy games, guest coaching, and a residential opportunity with Try Sports.
Ben Powell, High Performance Director, shared his excitement about this bold new chapter for England Touch: “The Youth Academy represents a huge step forward for Touch in England. It’s not just about preparing players for competitions—it’s about creating opportunities for every young athlete to grow, thrive, and fall in love with the sport.
“Our goal is to develop the best players while fostering teamwork, resilience, and a lifelong passion for Touch.”
The England Touch Youth Academy is more than a programme—it is a commitment to building a stronger future for the sport, ensuring players from all backgrounds have the chance to achieve their full potential.
The England Touch High Performance programme is now recruiting Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches to lead the national squads in 2025 and beyond.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the roles
CLICK HERE to apply for a role
Deadline for applications is December 16, 2024.
