Matchday programme: Bristol Bears vs Bath Rugby

BRISTOL BEARS
academy news
32
Senior Academy Manager, Gethin
Watts has hailed the impact of
the club’s mentoring programme,
which provides young players
with support to enhance selfdevelopment
and growth, as
well as the platform to discuss a
range of subjects.
Devised by Director of Rugby, Pat Lam
and Watts, and led by John Afoa and Joe
Joyce, the programme helps to improve
communication, reinforce learning on
and off the field, develop leadership and
increase the confidence of the club’s
Senior Academy players.
“We started this programme 15 months
ago and the impact it has had has been
superb,” said Watts.
“It has helped to enhance our
environment in which everyone is
involved and has a real feeling of
responsibility and ownership.
“This is not just something for the
mentees, it’s been just as beneficial to
the mentors themselves. We want, as a
club, to make sure that we support the
ongoing learning of our experienced
players and develop their role as
mentors, we hold regular forums with
current and prospective mentors and
there is ongoing training and support for
them throughout the process.
“From myself, Pat (Lam) and Lindsey
Woodford (Mental Skills Coach), we are
ensuring the whole process is meaningful
for everyone involved.
“The mentors’ engagement throughout
has been excellent and the boys have
taken so much from the relationships
that have been built. It’s important to
emphasise that this is not just rugbyrelated
as our drive to develop better
people is at the heart of our culture.
“High Performance in sport as is
in business is very rarely achieved
without high quality leadership and the
mentoring programme plays a huge part
in developing and honing these skills.”
BRISTOL BEARS VS BATH RUGBY | 2020/21