Ontario Blues Development Academy Overview

The Ontario Blues Development Academy (OBDA) is a high-performance program focused on the development of aspiring provincial rugby players. Our targeted demographic is young men and women between the ages of 16– 18 years of age (athletes born in 2006/2007). We aspire to provide an environment in which the demands of high-performance sport and life skills are blended to enable success within both endeavours. Our Central locations are Toronto and St. Catharines, with satellite locations in Guelph, Ottawa and other supporting regions. 

PROGRAM PURPOSE 

Facilitate the Development of Future Provincial and National Team Athletes. 

MISSION STATEMENT 

The OBDA exists to provide an environment that supports rugby players and those athletes recently graduated from high school in achieving their aspirations of competing for the National Senior Women’s and Men’s teams, with a focus on a podium performance. We believe that we give athletes the best opportunity to achieve these goals when we work ethically and with integrity to develop the holistic student athlete. 

KEY PROGRAM PRINCIPLES: 

Growth Mindset 

Consistent application of physical and mental resources is required to achieve desired growth in skills, abilities, and character. This adaptation occurs when an internal or external pressure forces the individual to respond. There will be times in which perseverance is required to overcome adversity. A commitment to this process will lead to success and a developed resiliency for future challenges. 

Personal Accountability 

Personal accountability for how we manage ourselves and interact with others is necessary in order to achieve national team success. Self-management of behaviours including punctuality, attitude, and preparation are required to create a foundation upon which learning can occur. The communication and interaction we have with others must be inclusive, and respectful in order to facilitate team success. 

Community 

We require support from multiple networks to achieve our goals. Maintaining positive and mutually beneficial relationships with schools, families, and local communities are necessary to attain our rugby aspirations. Giving back to these communities in meaningful ways is important to grow these partnerships, develop holistic student-athletes, and represent Rugby Ontario.   

DAILY SCHEDULE 

The Ontario Blues Development Academy in Ontario is a decentralized program. Athletes will train for 3 hours between the hours of 4pm till 9pm, 1-2 times a week and showcase tournament. Key focus areas of training are below: 

  • Rugby specific training: skills, scrimmage, speed, weights, combat, mobility 
  • Sport Performance Seminars, covering a range of topics: Leadership, Nutrition, Time Management, Mental Performance, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Recovery, Video Analysis, Team Building, Post-secondary planning 

Toronto PanAm Sports Centre – Scarborough

Mondays/Thursdays

Canada Games Park – St. Catharine’s

Mondays/Wednesdays

 

Player Assessments & Feedback 

Academy players will regularly receive individual performance feedback to enhance personal growth and development. In addition to the informal feedback that will be provided by coaching staff on a regular basis within the daily training environment, athletes will be given quarterly comprehensive athletic reviews. Quarterly assessments incorporate objective and subjective monitoring in order to track player development and performance across short- and long-term time frames. 

Objective: Data driven performance metrics based on Gold Medal Profile performance metrics as well as national team standards. This feedback will ensure that performance gaps are being addressed and that the player is meeting the expected outcomes of the Rugby Academy program. Examples of these objective measures are sprint times, fitness levels, and strength scores. 

Subjective: Observation and reflection from coaching staff in relation to key performance indicators. This feedback will ensure that performance gaps are being addressed and that the player is meeting the expected outcomes of the Rugby Academy program. Examples of these subjective measures are technical and tactical rugby understanding and ability, approach to training, and coach-ability. 

WHAT IS THE LENGTH AND THE COST OF PARTICIPATING IN THE DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY? 

  • 10-12 weeks between January-March 

  • Cost is $30-$50 per week per athlete 

  • OBDA branded basic training kit will be included in fees 

Who is a good fit for the OBDA program? 

Athletes who are self-motivated and driven to achieve excellence both on and off the field will be best suited for this program. The OBDA program is very demanding both physically and mentally, as the athletes will be challenged in many new and different ways. Athletes must have a growth mindset and be able to conduct themselves professionally and positively in a close– knit team environment. 

How to Apply 

Athletes interested in applying for the OBDA 2024 year must complete the online application by December 1, 2023. Applications will be accepted after December, pending available space. 

APPLICATION LINK: https://forms.office.com/r/hLHr4QbugY  

For questions please contact: 

Amanda Andres – aandres@rugbyontario.com