For Under 11 Players Nationwide
ENGLAND'S ELITE YOUTH RUGBY ACADEMY
Welcome to England’s first fully funded Under-11s rugby academy. We fast-track the nation's most promising young talent toward elite scholarships and professional pathways.
SHAPING THE FUTURE
OUR ACADEMY PLAYERS
The Elite Youth Rugby (EYR) Academy identifies exceptional Under-11 talent and develops them in the UK's prestigious National Sports Centre. We offer an elite global platform, competing in premier youth rugby matches and tournaments across the globe. We are building the definitive international pathway for England's next generation of rugby stars.
OUR MISSION
A LAUNCHPAD FOR FUTURE STARS
The EYR Academy develops exceptional rugby players — both on and off the field. Our coaching programme combines the expertise of former England internationals, leading age-group coaches, mentors, and sports scientists, backed by cutting-edge performance technology.
We don't just train players; we build definitive pathways to prestigious sports scholarships, premier academy placements, and future professional rugby careers.
OUR HOME
BISHAM ABBEY NATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE
Recognised by UK Sport as an Elite Training Centre, Bisham Abbey plays a key role in developing world-class athletes and supporting Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic programmes.
We train in the same environment used by elite teams such as the England Football and Rugby squads, the Great Britain Hockey team, and international visitors including Barcelona FC. Our players are immersed in a professional training setting, surrounded by some of the country’s most talented athletes and high-performance staff.
TRAIN WITH THE BEST
Standard youth rugby training focuses on the masses, often leaving the top 10% of players under-challenged. Our Academy identifies these high-potential athletes and places them in a high-performance environment designed for rapid development.
When the best train and play with the best, their growth accelerates — benefiting the player, their team mates, their home club, and the grassroots game.
Our unmatched coaching team have walked the path to professional sport. They are supported by our business and development teams, safety officers, sports scientists, medical experts, and nutritionists, providing our players with resources that eclipse standard junior setups. All provided at the best training facilities in the country.
NEXT FIXTURE IN:
2026 FIXTURES & RESULTS
Fixtures are posted one week prior. Results are uploaded within 24 hours. For training schedule parents should refer to the Academy Spond and/or the WhatsApp Group
The EYR Academy predominantly competes in the independent school league, giving players the opportunity to face some of the biggest and most competitive schools in the country. Unlike traditional club rugby fixtures, matches are played over 50 minutes of highly competitive rugby, with full scoring recorded.
Our U11 Lions kick off 2026 against Felsted, a renowned rugby powerhouse and Saracens partner school. Winners of the 2024 Continental Tyres National Schools Rugby Vase and producers of professional stars like England winger Max Malins.
Two squads travel to Derbyshire for this premier invitational. Our 1st team plays a year up in the U12s tournament, while our 2nd team competes in the U11s against top regional clubs and schools including Ashbourne, Macclesfield, and Stoke.
Our development squad faces a combined team featuring select players from Keble Prep, Hertford Prep (Mill Hill Education Group), and Saracens RFC.
A clash of unbeaten teams. We travel to Chichester to face Oakwood School, who recently lifted the Pelican Cup with an unblemished 20-0 record and a massive 440-45 points difference.
We face the #1 ranked school in the official national league. With a staggering 28-1-0 record and a Tonbridge Festival victory, The New Beacon represents the ultimate test for our players.
A massive cross-border showdown featuring the UK's premier youth talent. With a 30-year legacy and over 1,000 competitors, the Luctonians Anglo-Welsh Festival is the ultimate proving ground. The EYR Academy heads to Mortimer Park for a day of high-intensity competition against the elite of two nations.
The journey continues at one of the biggest dates on the rugby calendar. On April 26th, EYR Academy descends on the prestigious London Irish Mini Festival for a masterclass in elite youth rugby. Amidst the energy of thousands of players and supporters, our squads are ready to demonstrate why they belong at the top. High stakes, high intensity, and the future of the game on full display.
Details & Team sheets to be released one week prior to the fixture.
Details & Team sheets to be released one week prior to the fixture.
We are expanding our Academy squad by another 30 players, seeking the next generation of rugby talent to join the country’s number 1 youth rugby team.
We are expanding our Academy squad by another 30 players, seeking the next generation of rugby talent to join the country’s number 1 youth rugby team.
From the trials, the top players will be invited to the 2-day pre-season camp, designed to “compress” a full season of tactical theory and team culture into 48 hours. This will include skills, theory, and playbook training plus final team selection for the season ahead.
A massive triple-threat fixture awaits. We face off against northern powerhouse Woodhouse Grove and Barbara Castle—who finished last season as the #5 ranked U18 school in the country. This triangular tournament represents the pinnacle of schoolboy rugby and the ultimate test of our players' resolve.
Details & Team sheets to be released one week prior to the fixture.
A clash with Oundle School is always a highlight of the calendar, but this year the stakes feel even higher. Renowned for their physical dominance and tactical discipline, Oundle arrives as one of the most respected programs on the circuit.
Details & Team sheets to be released one week prior to the fixture.
With a heritage dating back to 1758, RAAS is one of the UK’s few state boarding schools. Their rugby program is built on the school's ethos of character and "Old Gattonian" grit, often producing well-drilled, physically resilient sides.
Details & Team sheets to be released one week prior to the fixture.
The bar is set. This weekend, we play one of the most dominant forces in schoolboy rugby: Ipswich School. Currently ranked #4 in the country and the reigning National U16 Champions, Ipswich represents the pinnacle of the modern game. This isn't just a fixture; it's a collision with the best.
Details & Team sheets to be released one week prior to the fixture.
A massive test awaits as we head north of the border. We face ESMS Edinburgh, who ended last season as the #3 ranked U12 team nationally. With a reputation for producing international talent and a clinical style of play, ESMS represents a premier challenge for our squad.
Details & Team sheets to be released one week prior to the fixture.
Details & Team sheets to be released one week prior to the fixture.
International tournament pathway for the next generation of stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does your Academy charge a fee?
NO. If your child secures a place in the Academy, participation is fully funded. This covers access to all elite training facilities, equipment, professional coaching, and support staff.
Selected players are only responsible for purchasing their personal Academy kit, which costs approximately £60.
For international matches and overseas tournaments, costs are significantly subsidised by our corporate sponsors.
When are the next trials?
SUMMER '26.The summer 2026 trials will take place on Sunday 19th July and Sunday 2nd August from 1pm until 5pm at the National Sports Centre, Bisham Abbey. Players can attend 1 or 2 of the trial sessions.
Registration is now open as we look to add 30 new elite players to our roster.
From the trials, the top players will be invited to the 2 day pre-season camp, provisionally booked in for the last week in August. This two-day residency is designed to "compress" a full season of tactical theory and team culture into 48 hours. This camp will serve as the final selection crucible for our three primary squads and our development squad.
If there a fee for the trials?
YES. Yes, there is a small fee for the trials. This covers the costs for your trial kit, food, insurance, staffing and facilities
We expect these fees to be £75 for 1 day or £100 for 2 days.
We are a non-for-profit business and use these fees to simply cover our costs.
What happens at the trials?
TRIAL PACK: A comprehensive digital pack will be sent to all registered families in early May. This includes full assessment criteria, schedule details, and preparation guidance.
Where are the trials?
BISHAM ABBEY. All sessions are held at the National Sports Centre in Bisham Abbey, Marlow, on our elite 3G pitches. As the historic training base for England’s senior squads, it offers an inspiring professional environment.
When do you train?
FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH: Primary Academy training takes place on the first Saturday of every month for a 4-hour intensive session.
We also hold high-performance training camps ahead of major fixtures and international tournaments, alongside dedicated team-building events.
Who are the coaches?
Our coaching staff features seven age-group Head Coaches from top-tier clubs across four counties, all holding senior RFU qualifications. The team includes former England internationals, Olympians, and Sports Scientists.
Do you train in the holidays?
YES. We run a 50-week year-round development programme. During school holidays, we host specialized camps and development clinics. These are non-compulsory to respect family commitments.
When do you play matches?
Matches are scheduled on Saturdays. We currently field three competitive squads (A, B, and C) alongside a dedicated Development squad to ensure high-quality game time for all.
Who do you play against?
Our fixtures consist of the leading institutions in the Independent Schools leagues, high-profile international tournaments, and exhibition matches against elite regional select sides.
In the 2026.2027 season we will be playing on the National SOCS All Comers League for Boys U12. We are the first ever Academy on this league playing the biggest across the country, a huge achievement for the Academy.
How does your rugby program differ from club rugby?
We specialize in elite schoolboy rugby, the primary pathway for professional talent; in fact, 80% of England’s international players emerge from this system. You will compete against the highest-caliber schools and the most promising young talent in the country.
Our matches are 50 minutes of high-intensity, fiercely competitive rugby, defined by disciplined organization and a fast-paced style of play.
Beyond the physical game, we develop "thinking players." You will master advanced tactical theories, our professional-grade playbook, and sophisticated game strategies.
The focus is on system-based play—learning to trust the structures and the players around you. We emphasize elite decision-making, ball retention, and the execution of cohesive "phase rugby."
Why do you not play against RFU clubs?
To ensure consistent progression, we exclusively select opponents that match the Academy's elite physical and technical standards. Standard club sides often do not provide the level of competition required to push our players.
Is this for boys and girls?
Our programme is inclusive for both boys and girls up to U11. From U12 onwards, girls transition to girls-only competitive rugby. They are welcome to continue elite skills training in our mixed sessions, but cannot play in the boys' match-day squads.
Do I need to leave my current club or school team?
NO. Our programme complements your local club. We encourage players to represent their home clubs and elevate their teammates. We avoid Sunday sessions to prevent fixture clashes.
If you are selcted for school matches on a Saturday then these should take prioirty over the Academy matches.
Who is behind Elite Youth Rugby?
The Academy is operated by The Sincura Group. With a history of supporting over 130 professional teams across the Premiership, NBA, and NFL, Sincura has pledged £250,000 to nurture the next generation of English rugby talent.
Are you insured?
YES. Elite Youth Rugby holds comprehensive insurance through Howdens. Full policy documentation is available upon request.
Are you part of the RFU?
NO. We are an independent elite academy. However, all our coaches are RFU-trained, and we strictly enforce the game's core values (TREDS): Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship.
The RFU says you shouldn't "stream" players. What is your position?
While the RFU focuses on mass inclusivity at the primary level, sports science proves that high-potential athletes develop best alongside peers of similar ability. Our programme is tailored exclusively for "Category A" (Top 10%) players, providing a high-tempo environment that mixed-ability setups cannot match.
I would like to get my school involved?
Partnering with the Academy enhances your school’s sporting profile. Partner schools receive website features, digital promotion packs, and exclusive event invitations. Contact us for a School Partnership pack.
I would like to coach?
JOIN US: We seek the nation’s top coaching talent. Applicants must have senior playing experience, hold a current age-group coaching role, and be RFU qualified (ERCA). REWARDS: Coaches receive professional kit, and their children secure an automatic Academy place (tournament selection remains merit-based).
How can I contact you?
Registered members receive access to a private WhatsApp group and a direct line to their dedicated mentor.
