Our COVID19 protocols will be fully compliant with the guidelines issued by the IRFU under their ‘Return to Rugby’ plan (see here) and the HSE/HPSC & SportIreland under their ‘COVID-19 Interim recommendations for the return to sports activities for children’ document (see here). All booked customers will be sent full details of all applicable procedures and our Academy programme induction approach in the run-up to programme start date.

Our high-performance Academy programme will combine the following key elements to deliver a fun, engaging and challenging development experience to players of all ages;

• Top class rugby coaching team (World Rugby Level 3+ qualified) including PSA Academies Head of Rugby Programme Johne Murphy, Jason Harris Wright, Johnny Butler & Craig Ronaldson
• Skills-based, non-contact content, with maximum 15 players per coach in a specifically designated training zone
• Socially distanced, limited numbers & time-based S&C development programme delivered by our dedicated Head of S&C Annie McCarra
• Training group & individual player based development drills and tests, based on our 9PSAVs framework
• Daily markers feedback sessions with their group mentor

Based on the 9PSAVs framework and using best-in-market, secure and easy-to-use technology platforms (Zoom Webinars & Learn Dash), our sports science experts will provide your player with the opportunities to gain important life skills that will help them to prosper, not only as players but as leaders and people. The module will include;

• Webinars on Sports Nutrition (with ex-Munster player & current Cork GAA nutritionist Johnny Holland), Mental Wellness (with ex-Munster player & performance expert Cathal Sheridan), Concussion & Injury Prevention (with leading sports physio Breffne O’Donnell) and Physical Development for Young Players (with our Head of S&C Annie McCarra)
• Interactive quizzes & daily feedback forms based on programme & webinar content
• Training group & individual challenges based on 9PSAVs framework

Following the completion of the high-performance Academy programme, each player will receive reports relating to both the player’s rugby testing (pdf with skill ratings and links to testing videos with commentary) and physical performance testing (pdf with test results and feedback regarding technical improvements required).

Our fully vetted and professionally trained programme staff are responsible for the pastoral care of all those players in our care and ensure that everyone is strictly following the COVID-19 protocols, all players are joining in all activities, making friends and having fun. We operate a no Mobile Phone Policy, with parents and players able to make contact via the Academy WhatsApp number in the case of emergency.

PSA Academies has partnered with Endsleigh Insurance to provide excellent programme cover specifically designed for PSA Academies players. You will receive a summary of insurance cover after booking, however key benefits include:

• Cover for over 90 sports and activities are included as standard (full details are available within policy documentation).
• Cancellation and curtailment of the trip due to accident, illness or sickness.
• If taken ill or have an accident, Endsleigh will pay emergency medical bills and hospital costs that are not covered by the National Health Service.
• Additional costs incurred to repatriate, if medically necessary.
• Reasonable costs to return home if a close relative is seriously ill.
• Reimbursement if luggage is lost, stolen or accidentally damaged.
• Endsleigh will help replace passports, or visas if they are lost or stolen.
• Money stolen either from your person or while locked away, will be replaced.
• If a player accidentally injures someone or damage their property, Endsleigh will cover legal liability.
• Advice and assistance to take legal action is covered.
• Cover for unavoidable or necessary cancellation or curtailment of course before completion due to, death, bodily injury or illness.