The scheme is being run by Phil Ramsey. Phil has been with the Wales U19 FIRA boys squad for several years now and is looking forward to his new challenge: ” The game is really developing here in Wales and I am looking forward to working with these players and making them all round better players.”
Seventy two elite players have been nominated to join the scheme ranging from 14 year olds through to senior internationals.
The players meet Phil once a week for both training and advice and 51 of the players will work towards their NVQ level 2 in the development of the game and their NVQ level 3 in player performance.
Twelve of the players are UWIC based and meet Phil every monday lunchtime for their own session. For those players based in the West or North, Phil liases with them via their own regional co-ordinator.
These course content includes ensuring every player becomes a qualified coach and uses the award in local schools. They attend modules in nutrition, psychology and working with the media as the WWRU attempt to produce the complete player.
Every player completes a diary where they record all relevant information including the amount of sleep they have had and every item of food they eat.
The whole scheme is overseen by the National Accreditation Centre (NAC) who internally verify the content of the course that in turn allows the WWRU to pull down government funding from ELWA to keep the scheme rolling year after year.
Richard Hodges said:” This is something we have been looking at for a while and are delighted to begin to see it bear fruit. Phil Ramsey is the man I wanted to run the scheme and he has given up alot to join us as he can see the benefits to the Women and Girls game in Wales.”
Players will naturally come and go as their careers progress and new ones will only be added when they have convinced the coaches that they have what it takes to reach the top.
With the majority of the 72 players being under 21, the real benefit to Wales should be seen over the next few seasons.
