NWWarriors Academy launched

A 13-man squad named to begin a 10-week programme at Bready CC’s Indoor Centre of Excellence which starts this Monday.

Warriors’ Head Coach Bobby Rao has worked tirelessly with Andrew Fleming, Trevor Hamilton and the Development Team, and the former Indian Test star was delighted to welcome a new coaching and management set-up who will be responsible for looking after the venture.

“Brian Doherty has agreed to come on board as Manager/Co-ordinator and we are really happy to have him as he has a wealth of experience that will help the youngsters immensely,” stated Rao.

“Three coaches- Steven Clarke, Karl O’Doherty and David Scanlon have also been appointed and they will work directly with the players during the programme.

“Michael Cooke, the Sports Education Officer at Derry City Council has been a major help in setting up the Academy and Michael will be helping us to provide Strength and Conditioning and Lifestyle Coaching to the players.

“The 10-week programme is geared towards helping these young players improve every aspect of their game so that they can be better players for their clubs as well as seeing what is required to play at the next level.

“I would also hope that the Academy lads can play a few friendly games against some club sides as part of the pre-season preparations once the programme is complete.”

North West President Andrew Fleming was also delighted to see the Academy realised and suggested that it was a great opportunity for all young players over the coming seasons to maybe follow the likes of William Porterfield, Stuart Thompson, Craig Young and Andrew McBrine into the Ireland squad.

“We have had to work hard to get this off the ground and we are still actively engaged in attracting sponsors so that we can progress the idea properly. While there are only 13 names on the initial list I can assure you it is not exhaustive.

“We have obviously not considered the relevant players who are already involved in Ireland under age squads as they will already be participating on a similar proramme.

“There will be room as well for anyone to force their way into the Academy so young players should have plenty of incentive this summer.

“I am also delighted to see new people involved in the coaching side of things and I am particularly pleased to have Brian Doherty back on board as he is a man I believe has much to offer us.”

Although the Academy kicks off this coming Monday evening the official launch has had to be delayed until the start of next month. Full details will appear nearer the time.

The initial Warriors Academy players then are as follows: Jamie Miller, Andrew Pierce, David Lapsley, Michael Rankin, Ross McKay, Conor Olphert, Dylan Waterstone, Stephen Kennedy, Andrew Austin, Matthew Douglas, Matthew Smyth, Adam McDaid and Rory Knox.