Matchday programme: Bristol Bears vs Harlequins - Play-Off Semi-Final

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BRISTOL BEARS academy news
Senior Academy Manager, Gethin Watts has reflected
on a year of challenges and progress following the
conclusion of the Academy season.
The Covid-19 pandemic created a host of hurdles for the club’s
Academy setup, with a loss of fixtures and a reduction in training
time, but Watts says he is proud of how the players and staff have
adapted to the uncertainty and disruption.
“Despite the recent difficulties the Academy programme, including
the U18 has been able to achieve lots of its objectives in the last 12
months.
“We’ve missed out on a full games programme and face-to-face
connections with players, parents, teachers and coaches, that
make the development process more complete and holistic.
“But despite these obstacles, we have planned to overcome these
challenges and seen the players grow and develop in line with the
values and principles associated with the ‘Bears Way.’
“Adaptation has been the key word over the last 12 months and we
have learned some great lessons that have helped shape our plan
going forward into the next year.
“Expectations associated with the vision of the club means that all
associated with the pathway need to raise their game if we are to
meet the challenges of the future.
“We are working hard to prepare the players for the standards of
tomorrow, as we know that standing still and resting on our laurels
will mean that we will fall behind.
“One of our key pillars is the passion we have in wanting more
‘homegrown’ players. The pathway is continually evolving and the
opportunity for your local players is better than ever before.
“However, that opportunity comes hand in hand with the
responsibility to raise the standard in the club’s next chapter. The
‘Bears Way’ demands that players highly skilled players that play
at an intensity that is unrelenting. This presents challenges for
the next generation that will need: hard work, dedication and a
mindset for excellence.
“We are all up for the challenge and we have willing partners in
Xledger who share our vision. We must thank Xledger for their
continued support this season.”
BRISTOL BEARS VS HARLEQUINS | 2020/21 BRISTOL BEARS VS HARLEQUINS | 2020/21