England Age Group Players Win REPS Awards

The England U18 and U16 squads have presented REPS awards for the second phase of the season, recognizing players who have exemplified the core values of the programme.

The squads came together at the end of the recent Easter matches to celebrate the awards and the progress that all the young players have made. 

Each time these awards are presented, we offer some insight into one of these key values. 

"A good example of our #SupportAndChallenge value is Hettie from the U18 Girls. Hettie has had a very steep learning curve this past season. She has always been on the fringe of England having many trials over the past 4 years but never being successful. This hasn’t deterred her determination; she has stuck at it, quietly getting better with both her club and school. She has shown a huge amount of resilience and relishes all the opportunities she has been exposed to this season.

She makes the most of every moment with questions to both teammates and coaches. You can see her intent to improve and with every session she is improving. She takes on the challenge of feedback that is given to her. With that mixture of support from teammates and coaches, the challenge from coaches and the challenge that she keeps placing on herself to rise to feedback and to ask questions, she has fully deserved the #SupportAndChallenge award at this point in the season."  Lisa Letchford - Lead Talent Coach

 APRIL AWARD WINNERS

#RelentlessSpirit

The #RelentlessSpirit award celebrates behaviour on and off the field of play. On the field, these players show constant effort. In possession, that looks like lead-throughs, getting ahead of the ball, hard sprinting leading for the ball or to create space for others, quickly getting into shape and structure. Out of possession, that looks like tackle-backs, setting structure quickly, positioning and moving quickly when we lose the ball. Off the pitch, we notice the effort they are giving to their training, their nutrition, hydration and video work - all aspects that allow them to perform tirelessly for the team.

Winners: Anna Cogdell (U18 Girls), Liam Barker (U18 Boys), Biba Mills (U16 Girls), Louis Powell (U16 Boys)

#EmbraceDiversity

The #EmbraceDiversity award is a recognition of the diversity of players’ superstrengths. Our highest-performing GB squads have been forged from efficiently and effectively utilising the best assets of all individuals. This award is for a player who has a unique superstrength and can deliver on it consistently for the benefit of the team.

They recognise the strengths in others and utilise their game to bring out the best in others in the squad.

Winners: Lottie Bingham (U18 Girls), Mikey Eldridge (U18 Boys), Evie Smith (U16 Girls), Will Barber (U16 Boys)

#PursuitOfExcellence

The #PursuitOfExcellence award is for players who constantly push themselves outside of their comfort zone to achieve progression. It takes courage to consistently strive to be better. These players have courage and commitment.

Winners: Freya Robinson (U18 Girls), Nathan Gladman (U18 Boys), Ruby Butterfield (U16 Girls), Charlie Cook (U16 Boys)

#SupportAndChallenge

The #SupportAndChallenge award is awarded to a player who has the capability and personality to both support and challenge their teammates, their coaches and also accept being challenged and supported by others. It is about their give and take from the team, giving energy to others whilst also recognising they can positively challenge those that take energy from the group in order for the group to move forward together.

Winners: Hettie Whittington (U18 Girls), Sammy Dowds (U18 Boys), Summer Knight-Thompson (U16 Girls), Louis Jordan (U16 Boys)