January 12, 2018

Wakefield Trinity Launched ‘Trinity DNA’ This Week

Wakefield Trinity launched their newest player and coach development programme this week.

Trinity DNA is a scheme aimed at developing coaches and young athletes to reach their fullest potential. Working hand in hand with local community clubs, the Trinity DNA programme will deliver a player development pathway for both boys and girls from the age of 12 to 16.

Community coaches will also get the chance to improve their skills with a series of workshops and master classes.

By the end of 2018 the Trinity Community Department, led by Development Manager James Stephenson, will have offered 34 open-access player development sessions and 10 coaching pathway development workshops and master class sessions.

Trinity DNA incorporates the award-winning England Talent Pathway programme to give players the opportunity to reach Super League and International level, even if they get knocked back at Scholarship level.

Wakefield Head Coach Chris Chester said, “Myself, coaching staff and all players are fully behind the Trinity DNA programme.

“The launch night was very well attended and we feel that with the support of all our community teams, Wakefield Trinity will continue to produce and keep hold of our very own homegrown talent and additionally re-strengthen the community game all round.”

Around 50 community club representatives turned out for the launch night on Wednesday. Jonathan Haran, who coaches junior sides at Stanley Rangers, said: “I think it’s brilliant. I came through the academy here, and once you didn’t make it that was it so a lot of young players walked away from the game.

“This gives players the opportunity to develop and get back into it. I’m really impressed.”

Emma King, also of Stanley Rangers, added, “Wakefield want to help, the club wants homegrown talent. We’re a Wakefield club and we want our players to get more skills and help our coaches become better coaches to give the players more opportunities.”

 

Club Chairman Michael Carter is also backing the scheme, he commented, “We here at Wakefield feel passionate about our community and being a family club. Everything we can do to help strengthen the community is up there at the top of the list.

“Even with our limited resources, we have a dedicated team who, with the new Trinity DNA programme, will deliver a comprehensive player and coach development plan that shows we mean business in producing world class rugby players for Wakefield Trinity and a stronger and healthier game in our great community. I look forward to seeing this flourish.”

Trinity DNA programme ambassadors, Ben Jones-Bishop and James Batchelor, showed their support during the launch by talking about their different pathways to the Wakefield Trinity first team.

Both Jones-Bishop and Batchelor agreed that the Trinity DNA programme was a “great opportunity for both players and coaches to get involved to further develop their skills and knowledge of the game”. Jones-Bishop and Batchelor stated that they are excited to be involved in the Trinity DNA programme throughout the 2018 season.

Trinity DNA Player Development dates will be announced in the upcoming week.

For more information, or to get involved with Trinity DNA, email James Stephenson on james.stephenson@wakefieldtrinity.com.