U16 Girls County PDG Foundation – Nominations for season 2025/26
Posted on 13 August 2025
We are now accepting nominations for the upcoming U16 Girls County PDG Foundation Stage rugby program which will take place from September 2025 until early April 2026.
About the program
County rugby for U15/U16 age grade is an official RFU programme designed to give players a supported learning experience to improve individual skill sets and abilities within a team environment. Middlesex prides itself for leading the way in its holistic approach to training creating all round athletes, not just girls who can play rugby. What ever level the girls ultimately find themselves we try to ensure their experience with us is rewarding and gives them a fuller understanding of themselves and the game they play.
The 2025/26 Foundation Phase focuses on player development preparing the opportunity of selection for the Player Development Group (PDG) for U17/U18 girls (previously known as Centre of Excellence) and possible progression through the RFU Aspirational Pathway. We have had remarkable success recently with girls representing England, Ireland and other international sides at U18 and beyond, however we recognise not all will make it to such a high level and we will guide the girls through club and county options as they develop as elite players. The programme is designed around the players other sporting and academic commitments and provides a great opportunity to develop their rugby skills in a positive and professional coaching environment, amongst a group of high performing peers.
Taster Session – Sunday 31st August 2025
This is designed for the girls to get to know the coaches and expected levels of each session whilst having some fun as well. There are no judgements made and we hope it will ease the girls into the next stage of assessments.
Assessments – Sunday 7th or 14th September, 2025
The girls will be invited to one of the two sessions, there is some flexibility if they cannot make one of the dates and we will invite them to the other session if not available, please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot make the date and we will do our best to accommodate. We try to make the assessments as enjoyable as possible so that the players have a positive experience through out. We are NOT expecting the finished product, we look for potential, positive attitude, team work, leadership, decision making and many other attributes.
Selection and Training sessions
Unsuccessful candidates will be given individual feedback to reflect on their work-ons. For those selected, you will receive details of the sessions that will be held through out the season. Training will take place Monday evenings except for playing opportunities which will be on Sunday afternoons. We adhere to the RFU framework and provide a balance of training, classroom and playing opportunities. We do require a level of commitment so that the players can properly develop, understand our set pieces and become part of the squad.
Please forward this letter to your player’s parent or carer so they can register using the link below:
Please click here to complete the nomination form
