Over the past two years the Developing Player Programme (DPP), which the Saints Academy runs in conjunction with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and local constituent bodies, has gone from strength to strength, so much so that it is ready for a 50 percent expansion in the number of centres and into new age groups, too.
As of this coming season the DPP will be based across six centres – Northamptonshire Alliance, East Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Huntington and Peterborough, and Suffolk – with Under-16 groups established to create greater opportunities for players and encourage continued participation within the sport. A pilot for Under-18s is also expected to be launched later in the year.
Previously DPPs had been based in four centres across the Under-13, 14 and 15 age groups.
The DPP ensures that youngsters receive more frequent sessions during the course of a season and more consistent feedback to enable them to develop as players. And as the club’s youth development pathway continues to grow, the DPP has come to complement the Elite Player Development Groups that in turn feed the Junior Saints Academy.
Players are invited to join the DPP after being recommended by their school or club coaches, and the Saints will be in touch with schools and clubs throughout its Academy region in coming weeks with more information as to how they can nominate individuals for assessment.
For more information about the DPP and how you can nominate players from your club or school email Simon Sinclair – simonsinclair@northamptonsaints.co.uk