A WIRRAL rugby club and sports training company have teamed up to create a centre of excellence.

Anselmians Rugby club is working with AFYA on a scheme that it says will provide elite level coaching and player development and bring new players to the sport.

It coincides with plans to build a new club house facility on its site in Eastham.

The excellence programme is for players aged 13-18 and will give them coaching and advice on fitness, skill development, positional and team tactics as well as nutrition.

As part of the centre, there will also be an extensive coach development and parents advice programme.

Wirral Globe:

Anselmians RUFC chairman Jason Abbott

AFYA, launched two years ago, is made up of experienced coaches, trainers and teachers who have a background in a variety of sports including Rugby Union, Netball, Tennis, Judo and Athletics.

Its team includes James Wade, who has headed up academies and player development at Sale Sharks and Wasps as well as being Head Coach at Oxford University RUFC.

Anselmians RUFC chairman Jason Abbott said: "This is a unique initiative by Anselmians and unparalleled in the area.

"We are making a huge commitment to create a sporting environment in which our young players can achieve the highest standards to which they aspire in rugby and in life.

"At a time when the numbers of adult players are declining nationally, we are securing the sustainable future growth of our club by investing heavily in our youth development.

"All local youngsters within the Academy's age parameters are welcome to join us on this exciting journey."

Anyone interested in finding out more about the centre of excellence is invited to an open evening at the club next Thursday, March 10, at 7pm.

AFYA will be at the launch along with former England international Rugby Union player Mark Cueto, the Premiership's all-time top try scorer.

Ben Wood, MD of AFYA said: "We are delighted to be launching a centre of excellence at Anselmians and to be working with them to create Wirral's leading rugby club."

Wirral Globe:

Ben Wood, MD of AFYA

He continued: "Our courses have been specially designed to incorporate insights that have generated some of the best teams and athletes across the world.

"We have some inspirational players and coaches working with us."

Anselmians RUFC was formed in 1947 and the club relocated relocated to its present home in Eastham village in the mid-1950s.