Dorking RFC is proud to share the continued growth of its Youth Pathway, a structured mid-week programme designed to accelerate player development beyond the traditional Sunday coaching environment.
Built around the club’s identity and the Dorking way of playing, the programme combines specialist support, clear progression planning and close alignment with age-group coaches. The aim is to help young players develop the technical, tactical and decision-making skills they need for the next stage of their rugby.
A pathway built on development, delivered inclusively
The mid-week programme is supported by external coaches and focuses on:
- Developing player skills in line with the Dorking way of playing
- Working alongside age-group coaches to identify and address individual and team development areas
- Supporting smoother transitions between age groups and into senior rugby
Crucially, this additional coaching is delivered at no cost to players, reinforcing the club’s commitment to an inclusive pathway where opportunity is never limited by circumstance.
Weekly programme overview
Monday: Colts Boys Development Evening
Monday nights focus on Colts boys. Sessions are delivered by non-parent coaches to provide a high-performance environment and fresh coaching voices.
The session is led by:
- David Power, National Cup-winning coach, supported by his coaching team
- Jack Bairstow, former First Team Coach and RFU Coach Developer
Colts boys also train on Thursday nights, giving consistency and continuity across the week.
Tuesday: U14–U16 Boys Development
Tuesday’s session supports U14–U16 boys and is led by a strong group of coaches and mentors:
- Benji Wroblewski, Boys Transition Manager
- Jonny Ellis, former First Team Captain
- Brian Small, Senior Men’s Coach
- Andy Tubb, Pathway Coach
- Ollie Tubb, Pathway Coach
Wednesday: Girls Pathway (U14s to Colts)
Wednesday’s programme supports girls from U14s through to Colts, led by:
- Jess Freeman, Girls Transition Manager and senior player
- Supported by Ollie Shepherd, 1st XV player
Jayne Meadows also plays a key role in shaping the girls’ pathway through planning and coaching, alongside the many coaches who contribute across the programme.
Backed by the John Douglas Youth Development Fund
The pathway is supported by the John Douglas Youth Development Fund, which helps DRFC invest in coaching expertise, programme delivery and a clear long-term player development model.
The fund’s support is vital in keeping the programme accessible, consistent and aligned with the club’s ambition to develop players the right way: quality coaching, clear standards and a strong sense of identity.
Leadership and long-term vision
The Youth Pathway is driven by Armand Roux, Director of Rugby, who keeps the programme on track and aligned with the club’s playing philosophy.
Armand Roux said:
“I’m very proud of the pathway we’ve created at Dorking RFC, and it hasn’t happened overnight. We’ve had some great coaches supporting us over the years, and the fact it’s driven by both employed and volunteer coaches, away from the usual Sunday coaching, at no cost to players, is unique.
“Credit to the club’s management, who have supported me since day one. It’s absolutely the right, all-inclusive thing to do.”
Building the future of Dorking Rugby
The Youth Pathway is more than extra training sessions. It’s a long-term blueprint for developing confident, skilful players who understand the Dorking way and are supported at every stage of their journey.
Support the John Douglas Youth Development Fund
If you’d like to help strengthen the pathway through sponsorship, donations or other support, please get in touch with the club to find out more about the John Douglas Youth Development Fund and the difference it makes to player development across DRFC.
You can also go directly to our John Douglas Youth Development Fund page and support us directly from there. Link here
