Weekly rugby development for U11s–U14s
Switch Rugby Academy
Four centres across Bristol & North Somerset.
First sessions w/c 7 September.
Explore The Switch Rugby Academy
Weekly rugby development for U11s–U14s
What is it?
An hour a week that changes a season.
The Switch Rugby Academy (SRA) is our weekly performance programme for U11s–U14s — boys and girls, all abilities, whatever club you play for. Every week, all season, players work on the things that make the difference on a Sunday: handling, decision-making, game understanding and confidence on the ball.
Every session runs on a 3G surface with a minimum of one coach for every eight players.
SRA isn’t club rugby, and it doesn’t compete with it. It runs alongside your club, making your player better for them.
How do we do this?
Personalised coaching
With one coach for every eight players, every player gets individual feedback — not just instructions. Coaches set personal goals with each player and track them across the season, so progress is deliberate rather than accidental.
“When players find joy in learning, they become lifelong learners of the game.”
High standards, supportive environment
We expect a lot in terms of behaviour, attitude and effort. We also know players mature at different rates — physically, emotionally and socially — so sessions are built to challenge without discouraging. High expectations and enjoyment aren’t opposites.
High-tempo, adaptive rugby
Sessions move quickly, so players learn to adapt — different positions, different coaching styles, different conditions. It builds the versatility and resilience that separates players as they move up the age grades.
Mixed-gender sessions
We occasionally run girls-only activities, but we’ve found mixed sessions give serious players the best environment to progress. Age, development stage and gender are all considered when we group players.
“The players who progress aren’t always the most talented. They’re the ones who apply themselves and stay open to new ideas. That’s what we encourage, every session.”
— Matt Sheppard, Director
What’s Great About The Switch Rugby Academy.
One coach per eight players
Individual feedback and personal goals
Every session on a 3G surface
Term-time weekly, all season
Runs alongside your club
Four centres.
One near you.
Switch Rugby Academy Weekly Schedule
Sessions run term-time only, following local school term dates, from w/c 7 September through to w/c 19th July.
40 places per centre — when a centre is full, a waiting list operates.
BRISTOL NORTH
North Bristol RFC,
Almondsbury
From 7th September
Mondays
5-6pm
U11s & U14s
NORTH SOMERSET
Winterstoke Hundred Academy, Weston-super-Mare
From 8th September
Tuesdays
5-6pm
U11s & U14s
BRISTOL EAST
St Brendan’s Sixth Form, Brislington
From 10th September
Thursdays
5-6pm
U11s & U14s
BRISTOL SOUTH
Bridge Learning Campus, Hartcliffe
From 11th September
Fridays
5-6pm
U11s & U14s
Simple, flat pricing this season.
£40 per month — the same at every centre
collected on the 1st of each month from September to July. That’s a guaranteed place for the whole season, working out at jsut over £11 a session — and no more block re‑booking.
One-off £15 registration at sign-up, which includes your player’s SRA Performance T-shirt, worn at every session (we’ll ask for their size when you register).
No long tie-in. You can cancel at any time with one month’s notice — let us know before the 1st and that month is your last payment.
How payment works
- Register your player on Abler
(one-off £15, includes the T‑shirt). - Your £40 monthly subscription starts, collected automatically on the 1st of each month, September to July.
- That’s it — no re-booking, no blocks, no forms. Your player’s place is held all season.
Joining part-way through a month?
No problem!
You’ll pay the £15 registration plus a pro-rata amount covering the remaining sessions that month, then roll onto the standard £40 from the 1st.
The exact amount is shown before you pay — nothing is taken until you’ve seen it.
One sign-up. Whole season. Sorted.
Not sure yet? Try a session first — free.
Try it first — free.
New to Switch? Every new player gets one free taster session — no obligation, no card details, just come and train. Taster places are limited each week, so book ahead.
Please note: the free taster is for players new to SRA only —
it’s not available to current or previous SRA members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More about The Switch Academy
Got a question? We’ve got you covered! Check out the F.A.Qs below and be sure to let us know if we can answer anything else.
Does my player need to be at a rugby club?
No — everyone’s welcome, club or no club.
What should they bring?
Boots (3G-compatible), gum shield, water. Their SRA Performance T-shirt once registered.
What if we miss sessions?
After your first payment, the monthly amount stays the same — it’s an annual place divided evenly across 11 payments, not a per-session charge.
Which age groups?
School years equivalent to U11–U14 for the 2026/27 season. Not sure which your player is after the September age-grade change? Just ask: matt@switchrugby.com.
Can we cancel?
Yes — one month’s notice, any time.
Still have questions?
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Let’s have a chat!
— Gary Townsend, Head Of Rugby and Coach at Switch Rugby
Still wondering if Our Academy Is the Right Option for Your Young Rugby Players?
No worries, just send us a message and we’ll be happy to have a chat about the right path for your young player’s rugby development.
