From local Club to premiership academies: Mick’s journey with The RT Academy

When Mick first joined The RTA Squad at 10 years old, he was a keen rugby player who loved turning up at his local club every week. Like so many young players, he had enthusiasm in abundance but hadn’t yet developed the extra edge to make him stand out.

Fast forward six years, and Mick is preparing to celebrate his 16th birthday with achievements that most players can only dream of at that age. He’s earned scholarships, captained his school sides, and been invited into Premiership academies - the elite development pathways run by professional rugby clubs to identify and nurture future talent. His journey shows what can happen when consistent effort meets the right coaching environment.

Building confidence through skills

For Mick, the real difference has been confidence. His Dad reflects:

“When Mick first started working with Ben, he was playing rugby to a reasonable standard at a local club. Since then, he has gone on to achieve so much more, both on and off the pitch.”

That growth has come from putting the basics under the spotlight. From developing a reliable spin pass off both hands, to stepping defenders with composure, to staying strong through contact, Mick has built the kind of skill set that earns trust from teammates and coaches.

Confidence in rugby doesn’t appear overnight. It’s built through repetition, structured drills, and having a coach who demands high standards while keeping the game enjoyable. That’s where RTA has made the difference.

Thriving in difficult times

Mick’s journey also shows how important consistency is. During Covid, when many young players lost vital years of development, Mick continued to make progress. With online sessions, clear drills to follow at home, and the accountability of reporting back to RTA, he stayed motivated.

When rugby returned, he was ahead of his peers, ready to step straight into higher levels of competition with belief and momentum.

A parent’s perspective

For Mick’s family, the transformation has gone far beyond rugby.

“He is at a very exciting time in his career and Ben’s influence has been the key component. Thank you Ben!! 👏🏼👏🏼”

It’s not just about the tackles or tries. It’s about watching a child grow into a leader, comfortable under pressure, resilient through setbacks, and excited about the future.

A coach’s perspective

RTA Head Coach Ben reflects on Mick’s development: “Mick is the perfect example of what happens when young players stay consistent and works very hard on their game. His progress shows that if you keep working on the details, the passes, the footwork, the decision-making, the bigger opportunities take care of themselves.”

What parents can take from this

Every parent wants to see their child enjoy rugby, stay motivated, and grow in confidence. Mick’s story shows that three things make the difference:

Consistency - regular training and feedback keep young players moving forward.

Structure - focused, progressive drills build skills that transfer directly into matches.

Support - having a coach who guides, challenges, and encourages makes development enjoyable, not stressful.

The RTA philosophy

At The RT Academy, we believe that young players make the most progress when they have access to high-quality coaching that focuses on individual skills and provides clear structure. That’s why The RTA Squad was created: to provide players with a proven framework for growth, the accountability to stay consistent, and the opportunity to learn from a coach who knows what it takes to perform at the top level.

Mick’s journey is one example of what can happen when a player buys into the process. With the right environment, they don’t just improve their rugby. They grow in confidence, resilience, and belief.

👉 If you’d like your child to take the same first steps Mick once did, The RTA Squad is the place to start.