Six of Penrith’s Under-16s squad have been invited to train with Newcastle Falcons Junior Academy until the end of May.
In addition to the twice weekly training sessions, some of them might be selected to play in two festivals towards the end of the season.
The players selected are Thomas Pantry, Danny Lund, James Bent, Samuel Antoine, Sonny Askins and Harley Johnson.
They now have an opportunity to train alongside some of the best players in the North of England and be coached by some of the best Academy coaches in the country.
The Academy, which is a joint initiative with the RFU, operates across three counties, Cumbria , Northumberland and Durham, is through its DPP pathway.
The Developing Player Programme operates from ten centres across all three counties of which Cumbria has three in the west, south and east of the county.
Players are initially nominated by their school or club coaches under the GASP. criteria (Game Sense, Attitude Skill Set and Physical Potential), and attend a number of training sessions at their regional centre.
Training is very much player focused throughout the Falcons Academy and DPP, with attention being given to developing the individual player skills, decision making, strength and conditioning, as opposed to building a strong Academy team.
In this way they develop players to explore and play what is in front of them as opposed to a prescribed set pattern of play which can hinder player development.
Gary Johnson, Penrith RUFC co-ordinator for Newcastle Falcons Club Connections Programme, said: “The players selected to train with the Academy have a huge commitment to train twice a week at Kingston Park, especially the Cumbrian lads who may have over two hours each way to travel, each Monday and Thursday.
“This not only requires dedication but a huge amount of self-organisation to manage time and keep on top of schoolwork and their household chores to re-pay committed parents/taxi drivers.
“It goes without saying that to reach the Junior Academy is a major achievement and, for this alone, the lads need to be congratulated.
“However expectations are to be managed, places are constantly reviewed and the reality is that a very tiny proportion of players in the Junior Academy continue onto a Senior Academy professional contract.
“Therefore, players are encouraged not to try to look too far forward, other than the next training session, and to enjoy the rugby and the fantastic experience.
“The boys are extremely grateful to all the coaches and teachers who have, and will continue to help their development.”
About 30 players have been selected from the Three Counties for the Under-16’s Academy with 13 of them from Cumbria.
As well as six from Penrith there are four from Kendal – scrum-half Reuben Dyer, full-back Ben O’Halloran, winger Will Meaden and back row Reuben Parsons.
Carlisle, Kirkby Lonsdale, Upper Eden and Hawcoat Park have also had representatives.
There are also six Under-17s from Cumbria in the Newcastle Academy and also a few Under-18s who have played for the Academy League team.
