O’Loughlin and Hill help to Embed the Pathway
England stars Sean O’Loughlin and Chris Hill have been named as the first ambassadors of the RFL’s Embed The Pathway scheme.
Embed The Pathway is an initiative designed to increase the number of high quality 12 to 14-year-olds playing the game by providing high level education and training.
The aim is to produce a greater pool of talent to improve standards and develop future England players.
The scheme focuses on four key areas: the skills needed to play rugby league, the ability to set your own goals and reflect on performance, key movements that will make you a better player and the standards that are needed to reach your full potential.
Alongside training on the field, players are also required to log all their activity online via their ‘Profile Wheel’ where participants can monitor their own progress in the four key areas and see where improvements are needed.
“It’s great to see so many children coming through this scheme and getting coached in the right areas at a consistent level,” said O’Loughlin.
“Being part of the Embed The Pathway programme has really made me aware of the type of environment 12 to 14-year-olds like to train in, the training they should and shouldn’t be doing and how to keep them in the sport and enjoying themselves at the same time.
“I never had anything like this when I was their age but was lucky enough to have the talent and be surrounded by supportive people to get me where I am today. I’m proud to be an ambassador of this scheme and help players along the way and make sure they make the right decisions.”
Hill added: “Embed The Pathway is the perfect training programme to get players who are interested in Rugby League off to the right start.
“All coaches involved are on the same script so it’s one voice for all participants and not different opinions on their performance or technique which is a big help during the development stages.
“I’ve been involved in a few sessions now and I’m really impressed with what is on show. I’d encourage anybody who fancies trying out Rugby League to come down and register for Embed The Pathway.”