Pathway to the First Team Stronger Than Ever at Skirlaugh

Under 18s

At Skirlaugh, the pathway from junior rugby into the First Team has never been clearer — and the club’s coaches believe the future is incredibly bright.

Over the last two seasons, the club has worked hard to create a visible and realistic route from Under 18s through the Academy and into open-age rugby, with a growing number of young players already making that leap.

Academy Manager Stu Smith believes the progression now speaks for itself.

“Through the academy young players have the opportunity to see what open age rugby is all about, many with the goal of reaching the first team,” said Smith.

“The last two seasons have seen a pathway created that is now visible for all to see.”

Several players have already transitioned successfully from the Under 18s into Academy and senior rugby, including Jack Sutton, Brad Johnson, Ashton Collinson, Makesi David, Fin Watson, Louey Pinkerton, Ben Hookem and Elliott Sorell.

Under 18s coach Carl Puckering echoed that belief and highlighted how opportunities are already being handed to young players ready to step up.

“The pathway from 18s to first team is very realistic, it sort of speaks for itself,” said Puckering.

“Mason Gore played last week in the National Cup for the first team and stood out within his performance.”

Puckering also revealed that opportunities have been available for Jack Johnson, Harvey Dickson, Jake Hargreaves, Reece Batty, Harry Walker and Ed Mills, while Ashton Cowper and Riley Smith have recently stepped up to Academy level.

Building Players for Open Age Rugby

Both coaching groups agree that attitude and commitment are key traits for players looking to progress through the ranks.

Smith explained that exposing young players to open-age rugby helps remove the fear factor often associated with the transition.

“It’s important for us to keep ensuring the talent in the 18s has the opportunity to experience open age rugby, not only for them to realise it’s not a huge jump when some would consider it daunting, but to also encourage them to stay with the club and push for 1st team.”

Puckering added:

“They need to be enthusiastic, hard working, committed and confident. It’s important that you don’t change much of what you’re about — when stepping up, it’s important just to be yourself.”

Coaches Working Together

A major reason behind the success of the pathway is the close communication between coaches at every level of the club.

From training sessions to match preparation, the aim is to ensure consistency throughout the age groups so players can transition smoothly.

“From game prep to warm up then game play it’s important we’re all using the same language and structure so players can easily adapt between the teams selected for,” said Smith.

“We have regular feedback sessions on performance and stand out players.”

Puckering believes that communication is one of the club’s greatest strengths.

“Communication is key throughout the club at all levels. It is something us as a club are really good at.”

“Different age groups training alongside others or playing against one another in training games really helps with the progression and pathway of teams and individuals.”

He also praised the relationship between the junior and open-age coaching staff.

“It’s important Danno and his open age staff put trust and belief in myself, Wats and Craig when we are putting players forward or suggesting players stepping up.”

“The transition process and communication between us coaches at 18s and open age is a weekly conversation — sometimes we even speak daily.”

Players to Watch

There is no shortage of exciting talent coming through the ranks at Skirlaugh.

Smith highlighted current Academy players Fin Watson, Jack Sutton, Brad Johnson, Louey Pinkerton and Makesi David as players to watch, while also praising the talent emerging from the Under 18s setup.

Puckering also pointed to several standout performers this season.

“Harry Walker, Harvey Dickson, Reece Batty and Jack Johnson have been fantastic and have all received player of the month awards so far.”

“Ed Mills and Riley Smith are scoring tries for fun, while Jake Hargreaves and Mason Gore have been huge for us going forward in attack.”

He also praised Jack Marriott following his England call-up and revealed there is even more talent waiting in the wings.

“We even have two who are still 16 and aren’t eligible yet for open age in Alex Heath and Aiden Wall, so the future’s definitely bright.”

Mason Gore in action.

A Bright Future for Skirlaugh

The culture being created throughout the club is giving young players every opportunity to succeed both on and off the field.

“We have created a great culture on and off the field,” said Puckering.

“We do a lot together as a group and this certainly shows with recent form and results.”

With the Academy thriving, the Under 18s producing talent and the First Team pathway stronger than ever, Skirlaugh’s future looks to be in very safe hands.