Tenby United have unveiled their academy plans this week after months of planning with coaches, players and parents.

Earlier this year, Matthew Evans, chairman of Tenby United RFC, successfully recruited the services of Tim Poole as director of rugby who will be challenged with putting a modern, professional set up in place and establishing Tenby United as a rugby force in Pembrokeshire.

Matthew says: “Tenby United has large ambitions, and those ambitions can only be realised if we get the foundations absolutely spot on. To do this, we have to surround ourselves with some of the best in the business.

“Our junior section is now going to be transformed with an academy style structure from U13 through to youth and development squads. On the pitch, the children will have an array of quality qualified coaches, not just in the rugby circle, but strength and conditioning, athletics coaches, sports physios and guest rugby coaching from some of the UK’s finest senior club coaches. Off the pitch, we have secured the same nutrition team that works with the national squad. This is the new level we have set ourselves.

“Already our U16 and U14 played at Cardiff Blues against Llandovery College which was an incredible experience. Next year, we will focus on playing more academy sides and giving our players more and more stadium experiences, especially at youth level both here in Wales and further afield.”

Tim Poole, director of rugby says: “I am delighted to be part of creating the new future at Tenby United RFC. We have to create a culture of home-grown players and that means creating experiences that are unparalleled anywhere else. Our coaching squad for the academy is already looking very exciting and we welcome anyone that would like to get involved. Our academy players will have an additional night of training in the week and a culture of professional rugby from the outset. Structured skill sessions, strength and conditioning, nutritional and educational seminars and a clear pathway into senior rugby will be the building blocks of the academy. Our youth squad development and a creation of opportunities for these players for next season.”

Peter James, chair of rugby at Tenby United, says: “The energy, passion and ambition at the club at the moment is incredible. The committee have worked tirelessly developing the foundations for next season which will be the first that they are responsible for. Head club coach Chris James is currently in talks with a very experienced candidate to join our coaching team as backs coach and this appointment will be named publicly soon. The new backs coach will join Chris and forwards coach Richard Rossiter and complete an experienced and exciting senior coaching team. On the playing/recruitment front, myself and Chris are in talks with several players who are looking highly likely to join the Seasiders for the upcoming season and there are certainly exciting times ahead for the ever-strengthening squad which will see a few familiar faces returning to Heywood Lane along with experienced players that have played at championship level set to join us and add to our talented young and ambitious squad.

“With the new additions to the squad and coaching staff, the senior squad is shaping up to be very exciting, a new layer developing players from youth into the senior squad, the academy and our Junior section looks very strong. The guest coaches, the focus on off the pitch activity such as nutrition, player/coach development, restructure of the clubhouse, the new website and community integration are all projects well underway. This is a great time to be part of Tenby United RFC.”

Pre-season training and academy sign-on day is July 7 at Heywood Lane. All information is available at www.tenbyunited.com. All players and future coaches are welcome.