• A programme that is structured to enable the elite player to maximise his potential and to offer exposure at representative level. 
• Very high standards of coaching and fitness training in terms of strength, power, endurance and speed, supported by Munster branch structures.
• Nutrition advice together with injury prevention and management techniques.
• Individual development programme for players based on strengths, weaknesses and skill deficits with one-to-one assistance.
• Supervision and feedback that will motivate and encourage the player to maximise his development and achieve performance goals.
• The programme offers all quality players studying in W.I.T. an opportunity to play rugby with the only Senior Club in the South East.
• Financial support to elite players.
• Rugby Scholarship scheme with Waterford Institute of Technology.
• Access to the Waterpark career mentoring programme.
  

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Glen Deacon	Mark Hayden	Colm Higgins	Kieran Hyland
Killanne, Enniscorthy Number Eight 6’ 3” Glen played his youth rugby with Enniscorthy and attended Newtown School where he was a member of its very strong Senior Team. He has made a serious impact on our U20 team this season and is on a gap year prior to beginning college	Waterford Second Row/Flanker 6’ 4” - 84 kg Mark played with Waterpark RFC youth teams and was a member of the very successful group that won East Munster League and Cup medals each year at under 14, 16 and 18 level and also Munster League champions in 2006/07. Mark studies chemical engineering at UCC.	Waterford Flanker/Second Row 6’ 3” - 14 st. 6 lbs Colm developed his very impressive rugby skills while playing with the Waterpark youth teams from twelve years of age and played a pivotal role in the Munster League success story in 2006/07. A committed member of the Academy, Colm travels home from his accounting studies in UCC.	Portarlington Outhalf/Full-back 6’ 3” - 14 Stone Kieran is a first year student at WIT and played youth rugby with Portarlington RFC, captaining the under 16 and 18 teams that reached various Leinster semi-finals in the seasons from 2004 to 2007.
Brendan Walsh	Kieran Naughton	Kealan Madden
Clogheen, Co Tipperary Prop 5’ 10” Brendan played on the Rockwell senior team for two years and joined the Munster Schools squad during the 2005/06 season. He is pack leader of the Waterpark U20 team and has an Academy scholarship to Waterford Institute of Technology where he studies Sports and Recreation Management.	Dunbar, Wicklow Centre 5’ 8” Kieran’s talent has earned him an Academy Scholarship to Waterford Institute of Technology where he studies Architectural and Construction Management. He played formerly with Blackrock College and Wicklow RFC.	Waterford Hooker 5’ 9” 85 kg Kealan has played with Waterpark RFC since under 12 level and has won many East Munster League and Cup medals at all age levels. He is a very fine lineout thrower and is impressive around the pitch. Kealan is a committed member of the Academy and is currently training in the building trades.

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Left to Right, Willie O’Brien, Gerry Walsh, Ben Cronin, Neil Kenneally

Head of Academy : Ben Cronin 087 - 2467470
Head Coach : Gerry Walsh 086 - 8697731
U20’s Team Manager : Willie O’Brien 087 - 2258883
Medical Advisor : Dr. Tony Lee
Forwards Coach : Pat Murphy
U18’s Coach : Neil Kenneally

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Ulster Bank is delighted to be the principal sponsor of the Waterpark Academy for the next three years.

This year in Waterpark we have seen the benefits of the coaching of our under age teams bearing fruit with the success of the clubs under 18's, and under 16's. Two club members, Murray Kinsella and Paul Molloy, were selected for the Irish Youths and a number of our successful under 18's were selected for Munster. This is a terrific achievement for those involved and it is important that this type of talent is retained by the club going forward.

Speaking at the launch of the Academy in May 2007, Mr. Ken Keehan of the Ulster Bank stated that the development of the Academy will ensure a bright future for Waterpark’s senior teams going forward and that Ulster Bank would like to wish all those involved every success in the future. 

Ken Keehan of the Ulster Bank presenting match kit to James Hyland, captain of the U20 team

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If you would like to apply to join the Waterpark Rugby Academy next season and / or to apply for a Waterpark scholarship to Waterford Institute of Technology, please return the relevant application form before 29^th June.

Forms can be downloaded from this website (see below) or requested from the clubhouse.

You will be invited to attend an open assessment and training day at Ballinakill which will be held in August.

 Successful candidates will then be offered membership of the Academy or scholarships to Waterford Institute of Technology.

Scholarships and Bursaries are generously sponsored by the Ulster Bank Ltd.

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