Braintree Rugby Club’s long-term plans to re-establish themselves as a force in Essex took a giant step forward when it launched its first ever academy programme for young players.

The Academy, which will commence pre-season training at the beginning of July, will concentrate on the development of under-17 and under-18 players with the aim of providing them with a pathway into senior rugby.

As well as receiving regular support from qualified club coaches the academy players will also have guest coaches at their disposal, including monthly visits from RFU rugby development officer Ben Scully.

Players will be provided with a physiotherapist for training and matches and each will be monitored and given feedback on a regular basis. Braintree chairman Barrie Winwood said: “The Academy is all about developing young players to their full potential.

“Some of the potential Academy players have been with us since they were small boys, others are joining to benefit from the academy experience. This is an important transition time in their rugby careers and it needs to be handled properly.

“The idea is that we drop out of leagues, which limit the number of boys we can play, and concentrate on friendlies and cup games.

“This approach is very important at a time when the pressure is on these boys at school and college.

“Players from the Academy will not be made available for senior rugby until the January of the season, and only then when they are deemed ready by the head coach.

“We want to put the enjoyment back in to rugby for some of the boys who feel that it has all been about winning, and not about developing their game.

“This is an exciting time for us as a club and we can't wait for the new season to start.”

Braintree Youth and Minis chairman, Corinne Winwood, added: “We couldn't have put this together without the help of the RFU’s rugby development officers Matt Bray and Ben Scully, who have been and will continue to be fully supportive of this initiative.

“It is quite unique in Essex rugby.

“The whole club is fully behind it, which is extremely important for a new venture.”