Academy Q and A

1. How do I apply for the Academy?
Players are nominated for the Academy by their County Coaches at U15 level. A selection process then identifies players who will progress into the EPDG and then the Academy. There are opportunties for late developers and elite athletes from other sports to trial for the Academy. For more information please email Saracens Academy Manager, Mike Hynard.

2. What about contracts?
If selected into the Academy system you will not automatically be given a contract. Whilst you will be given every assistance to progress through the representative ranks, the speed of your development could be dependent on your personal drive and ambition. 17 is the earliest age that you could be contracted. It is important for all players and parents to understand that at present, there are only 500 full time players within the English Premiership, many of these from overseas. There are currently about 300 Regional Academy players already in the system, so the fall out rate will be very high. Hence, coupling your rugby development with a suitable academic and career development plan is a very high priority.

3. Can I remain in the Academy and still study?
Yes. Saracens have developed working partnerships with local specialist sports colleges, further education colleges and schools who will provide the academy athlete with flexible educational support that allows the player to put 'rugby first' for 2 to 3 hours each day whilst still attending lessons/lectures.

4. Who will I play for?
The competitive programme for each player in the Academy will be personally planned. Academy players will only be required to play for teams/squads that provide levels of competitive exposure appropriate for this development. This may or may not include playing for teams such as the player's school/university, his county or England Schools/Universities.

5. Where will I stay if I join the Academy full-time and do not live locally and what are the costs?
Accommodation is available to contracted players but will be relative to each Academy athlete. Scholars are housed as close as possible to the Training Centre in Hatfield to minimize travel time and disruption.

6. What pastoral care is offered?
Saracens work closely with the PRA (Professional Rugby Association) and RFU (Rugby Football Union) to ensure that each player realizes his potential, on and off the field. Lifestyle awareness seminars and culinary lessons are just two examples of ways in which players are assisted.

7. Are there activities organised for the afternoons and evening and weekends when there is no training or games?
All players are actively encouraged to socialise and interact with their contemporaries in the Academy and full-time Scholars are invited to attend all 1st XV home matches at Vicarage Road. There is a strong link between the Academy and Community Department to encourage Athletes to develop their inter-personal skills outside of the rugby environment.

8. Do I need personal insurance?
Only Gold level players are covered during rugby activity by the Saracens Private Medical Insurance Policy. Therefore all other players are encouraged to have their own insurance to ensure that the correct level of medical care is administered as soon as an injury occurs.

9. What medical services are available to me?
Full-time Physiotherapists will be available at all Saracens training sessions and games and access to the club doctor is available whilst on-site during the day. Appointments can be made to see the Medical staff for any player in the Academy system.

10. Will I get Saracens kit and will I have to pay for it?
All players attending the Saracens Elite Player Development Groups will receive some free training kit. Players within the Full time Academy will receive kit in line with the 1st team.

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