Welcome to the Ospreys Player Pathway. Within the Ospreys we operate a player pathway which encourages young players to progress through our system with the rugby training and education that will assist them on their route to becoming a senior player.

The Ospreys Player Pathway provides a learning structure for children aged 11 through to 18. We operate within three Unitary Authorities: Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea.

At U11's there are 7 representative sides that play rugby within the DC Thomas Cup. These are Bridgend, Maesteg, Aberavon, Neath, Swansea Valley, Llwchwr and Swansea. These sides are run by the Welsh Schools Rugby Union and are supported by the three player development officers for each Unitary Authority.

At the age of U12's our Player Development Officers take full control of representative sides and provide an educational pathway for children. There are three representative sides from U12s through to U14's; these are Swansea, Bridgend and Afan Nedd. Together we have established a unified structure which encompasses development of children through 6 areas: Physical, Tactical, Mental, Nutritional, Holistic and Rugby Technical skills. These areas of development form the curriculum for our Early Learning Player Development Centre.

On a regular basis these sides attend the training base of the Ospreys, Llandarcy Academy of Sport, in order to receive their holistic learning. During this session, players will interact with players from outside of their representative region and will understand the bigger picture of where they are at.

At U15's level, representative rugby returns to the Schools Rugby Union and again the teams compete in a competition called the Dewar Shield. Teams within the region are Bridgend, Aberavon, Neath, Swansea Valley and Swansea.

Once the children reach the level of U16's, the main focus for them is to challenge for a place within the Ospreys Age Grade U16's team. For all those unlucky not to make this team, we provide a representative opportunity again. Bridgend, Afan Nedd and Swansea provide teams that compete in the inter-district cup against other district teams.

OSPREYS PLAYER PATHWAY - STRUCTURE

U18s

Bridgend – Swansea – Afan Nedd

U16s

Bridgend – Swansea – Afan Nedd

U15s

Bridgend Schools – Aberavon Schools – Neath Schools – Swansea Valley Schools – Swansea Schools

U12s – U14s

Bridgend – Swansea – Afan Nedd

U11s

Bridgend Schools – Maesteg Schools – Aberavon Schools- Neath Schools – Swansea Valley Schools – Llwchwr Schools – Swansea Schools