At Dorking RFC, we’re committed to providing opportunities for all our players to stay active, engaged and developing, on and off the pitch. Our Summer High Performance (HP) Programme has been set up to do just that, offering structured support over the summer months when many players can otherwise miss out.
Pictured: Putting in the work - boys’ and girls’ groups both getting after it during one the recent HP sessions.
Why We Introduced the High Performance Programme
As an extension of our Youth Development Plan, the Summer HP Programme is designed to build on the foundations we’ve laid throughout the season. In line with this, we recognised a gap we could help address. Players who are overlooked or don’t progress into representative pathways, such as Harlequins most frequently for our area, often miss out on the type of supervised training and physical literacy development those environments offer. At Dorking, we’re fortunate to be in a position where we have the facilities, experienced S&C staff and the right systems in place to bridge that gap, and felt it was important to use them.
This programme also creates space for groups who sometimes fall through the cracks, including girls, where development pathways are still catching up in some areas, and state school pupils, who might not always have access to structured S&C support.
At its core, this is about giving more young players a place to keep improving if they want to.
The Summer HP Programme is also an extension of our broader Youth Development Plan, ensuring consistent opportunities for growth across the year.
What It Offers
- Supervised sessions with full-time, qualified strength and conditioning coaches based at Dorking RFC.
- Structured programming supported by specialist software used for physical development, rehab management and performance tracking.
- Open to all - this isn’t about current ability or selection. It’s about making sure anyone who wants to work hard and improve has the opportunity to do so.
- Tailored support for different age groups:
- Colts have access to up to four face-to-face gym sessions per week.
- U14–U16 players attend one supervised gym session and are given a programme to complete two additional sessions focused on rugby-specific movement and basic athletic education.
Who It’s For
The programme is open to boys and girls from U14 to Colts. Whether someone is aiming for higher levels or simply wants to get stronger and more confident in their game, this programme gives them a framework to do that in a supportive environment.
"I'm proud that as a club, we’ve backed the idea that physical development shouldn’t just be for the top few.
Good movement and physical habits start young, and if we can help players build those during adolescence, we’re doing our bit.
Our team has experience in professional environments, and it’s great to bring some of that to a wider group of players.
There’s still room for improvement across the game in how these opportunities are shared, and we’re glad to be taking a small step in the right direction."
Armand Roux, Director of Rugby
Where We Are Now
The programme began in early May with U14–U16 players following a 12-week structure, while Colts are on a more intensive 8-week block through May and June. So far, more than 80 players have chosen to take part, many of them committing to sessions week in, week out.
If each player takes something from it, whether that’s improved physical confidence, more knowledge, or simply a good routine over the summer, then we’re pleased with that. It’s about giving them the tools to keep developing, now and into the future.
Questions?
Please contact our Director of Rugby at dor@dorkingrfc.com.
