Train harder. Play smarter. Raise your game.
Designed specifically for ambitious rugby and netball athletes aged 14–18, this 10-month development programme is more than just extra training; it is a gateway to elite-level sport.
The transition from a talented school/ club player to a high-performance athlete requires more than just technical skill on the pitch or court. It requires mental resilience, physical power, and a deep understanding of the ‘lifestyle’ of an athlete.
Our Performance Academy focuses on five key pillars:
Technical – recision in passing, catching, and position-specific skills.
Tactical – enhancing game intelligence and decision-making under pressure.
Physical – bespoke Strength & Conditioning (S&C) to build speed and mobility.
Mental – developing the toughness and leadership needed to succeed.
Lifestyle – recovery, nutrition, and the balance of sport and academics.
Head of Rugby James Sadio brings 17 years of development expertise, while Head of Netball Ellis Mathieson provides a wealth of experience in national development environments.
The coaching team is supported by specialists such as Dr Andy Hall (RGU Lecturer and HIIT specialist), who played national age-grade rugby, and Ally McGregor (Nutrition Lead and NHS Clinical Specialist), ensuring our athletes are fuelled and conditioned.
The Programme Details
The Academy runs from September to June, providing a consistent high-performance environment every Wednesday evening (6pm–8pm).
We are committed to our small class size teaching model at Lathallan. This ensures a high coach-to-athlete ratio and a personalised development tracker for every participant. Training is aligned with national rugby and netball pathway criteria, opening doors to future scholarships and representative squads.
For more information, visit the Performance Academy website or contact the team at PerformanceAcademy@lathallan.org.uk.