What Junior Sports Academy Is All About
- Dave Saunders
- Dec 18, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 5
And the Coaching Philosophy Behind Everything We Do
At Junior Sports Academy, our mission is simple: to help young people become confident, capable, and resilient athletes through high-quality rugby coaching and structured athletic development. Whether we’re working with schools, young athletes, or delivering camps across Surrey, our aim is to provide environments where children learn, grow, and enjoy being active.
We believe every child deserves access to coaching that is safe, supportive, and designed around long-term development — not short-term results. Our programmes are built on experience, evidence-based methods, and a genuine passion for helping young players thrive.
What We’re About
A Positive, Supportive Environment
Every session is designed to help children build confidence. We focus on creating an atmosphere where they feel comfortable trying new things, learning new skills, and pushing themselves without fear of failure.
Developing the Complete Young Athlete
We don’t just teach rugby skills. We develop the physical abilities that underpin all sports: speed, coordination, agility, balance, strength (age-appropriate), and movement quality. This approach makes children:
More confident movers
Less likely to get injured
More capable across all sports
Better prepared for the long term
Inclusion and Accessibility
All our programmes are accessible to players of all abilities. Whether a child is completely new to sport or already involved in a club or performance pathway, we ensure they are challenged at the right level.
High-Quality Coaching
With more than 20 years of experience in coaching and athletic development, we deliver sessions that are structured, progressive, and tailored to the age and ability of each group. Our methods are supported by sports science and long-term athlete development principles.
Our Coaching Philosophy
1. Learning Through Play and Game-Based Coaching
Children learn best by doing — not standing still in queues. We use games, scenarios, and challenges that encourage decision-making, teamwork, and problem-solving. This approach keeps sessions enjoyable while building genuine understanding and transferable skills.
2. Safety First, Always
From tag rugby in schools to contact progressions with older players, safety is at the heart of everything we deliver.
Tag rugby for KS1 & KS2
Gradual skill progressions
Clear technical teaching
Age-appropriate contact coaching (only when appropriate)
3. Long-Term Athletic Development
We don’t rush physical skills or try to mimic professional training. Instead, we focus on:
Fundamental movement skills
Coordination and balance
Strength through movement, not heavy loads
Safe running and jumping mechanics
Injury prevention basics
These foundations support every sport a child may choose in the future.
4. Individual Attention Within Group Environments
Even in group sessions, every child gets the coaching they need. We aim to understand each player — their confidence levels, physical ability, sport background, and what motivates them.
5. Enjoyment Comes First
If a child enjoys training, they will keep training. If they keep training, they will improve. If they improve, confidence grows. That is the cycle our entire coaching philosophy is built on.
Why This Matters
Children today face increasing pressure, reduced physical activity, and fewer informal play opportunities. High-quality coaching can help them build:
Physical competence
Confidence and self-belief
Social skills
Resilience and emotional regulation
A genuine love for movement and sport
Our goal isn’t just to make better rugby players — it’s to help develop happier, healthier young people.
The Importance of Coaching Philosophy
Our coaching philosophy is the backbone of everything we do at Junior Sports Academy. It guides our approach and ensures we remain focused on the needs of each child. By prioritising enjoyment, safety, and long-term development, we create a nurturing environment. This environment allows young athletes to flourish, both on and off the field.
Building Lifelong Skills
Through our coaching, children learn more than just sports skills. They develop resilience, teamwork, and leadership qualities. These skills are essential for success in all areas of life. We believe that the lessons learned in sport can translate into everyday situations, helping children navigate challenges with confidence.
Encouraging a Love for Sport
We aim to instil a lifelong love for sport in every child. By making sessions fun and engaging, we encourage them to stay active. When children enjoy their time with us, they are more likely to continue participating in sports as they grow older. This love for movement can lead to healthier lifestyles and improved well-being.
In Summary
Junior Sports Academy exists to provide a supportive place for children to grow physically, socially, and emotionally through structured, enjoyable, and expertly delivered coaching. Whether through 1-2-1 sessions, small group coaching, school programmes, or our popular rugby camps, everything we do is built on the same foundation:
Safe, enjoyable, long-term development for every child.
If you would like to learn more about our programmes for your child or your school, we’d love to hear from you.


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