Free Jacks academy
& Shield Tour 2024
Join the Free Jacks as they head across New England on the 2024 Free Jacks Academy and Shield Tour.Â
The tour will be stopping at 6 locations across New England between August 25th and October 6th. Each tour stop will include three events, Learn to play sessions, followed by a Free Jacks Academy ID session for future Free Jacks that want to enter the Free Jacks Academy Pathway and finally an MLR Shield presentation, where fans can take photos with the shield and talk with Championship winning Free Jacks players, Staff and Coaches.
TOUR STOPS:
The Free Jacks Academy Programs and Shield Tour events are designed to not only help teach the fundamentals of Rugby to all age groups, but also offer a pathway to elite rugby for aspiring athletes
EACH TOUR STOP CONTAINS 3 SESSIONS:Â
1. U14 Learn to Play
2. Age 14 – 23 Academy ID & Pathways
3. MLR Shield Presentation
West Hartford, CT
August 25th 2024
Sterling Field, West Hartford CT 06110
keene, nh
Sept 8th 2024
Keene State University – 229 Main St, Keene, NH 03431
REGISTER NOW >>
hampton, nh
Sept 15th 2024
Location to be confirmed
REGISTER NOW >>
bristol, RI
Sept 22nd 2024
Roger Williams University – 1 Old Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI 02809
REGISTER NOW >>
FREEPORT, ME
Sept 29th 2024
Joan Benoit Samuelson Track & Field at Freeport High School
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BURLINGTON, VT
Oct 6th 2024
Burlington Tree Farm Sports Complex
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“
My time with the free jacks Has been a liberating experience.
It has allowed me to experience global cultures in a city that goes mad for its sport. The exposure to first class coaching and management has reignited my love for the sport and my dedication to achieving my goals. The on and off field experiences will stay with me forever.’
Hugo Flynn, 2022 Academy Athlete
THREE EVENTS IN ONE DAY
session 1:
LEARN TO PLAY
Ages: 7 – 14
Experience Level: Little to none
Aim: Learn the fundamentals of rugby
What to Bring: Boots, Cleats or Suitable Footwear, Athletic Clothing, Water, Snacks
Time: 10am – 12pm
Free Jacks Learn to Play Sessions are designed for children aged 8 – 14 who have little or no rugby experience. These sessions assist children who are interested in learning the fundamental skills of rugby through drills and games. All participants will have access to coaching from MLR Championship winning Free Jacks players, Staff and Coaches.Â
Every Youth participant receives a Boot Bag and Drink Bottle. Clinics will compose of different stations led by Free Jacks Staff and Players covering the key rugby components of Catch, Pass, Tackle Technique and Breakdown followed by light game play. Clinics will be followed by an Autograph session.
session 2:
academy id & pathway
Ages: 14 – 23
Experience Level: Some Rugby Interest
Aim: First step in joining the Free Jacks Academy Pathway to Professional Rugby
What to Bring: Boots, Cleats or Suitable Footwear, Athletic Clothing, Water, Snacks
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Free Jacks Academy ID & Pathways sessions are designed to allow hopeful young rugby players to be identified by the Free Jacks Academy, and to assist New England’s Home Grown Talent in entering the pathways that lead to Professional and International Rugby. In light of the 2024 Olympics, many young players are now eager to see themselves in the olympic teams of the future, this ID session is the best way for young people 14 – 23 to start their journey to elite level rugby, whether that be the Free Jacks academy teams or the USA national teams.
Attendees’ fundamental skills and physical performance will be evaluated by Free Jacks staff as the first step toward being a member of one of the Free Jacks Academy teams. The aim of the session is for attendees to train and Develop understanding of the 5 pillars of rugby within the ‘Free Jack Way’ and to develop the accompanying skill sets. Attendees will leave the sessions with new and improved skills and the ability to apply these newfound skills and knowledge to their future playing careers.Â
Every Youth participant receives a Boot Bag and Drink Bottle. Clinics will compose of different stations led by Free Jacks Staff and Players covering the key rugby components of Catch, Pass, Tackle Technique and Breakdown followed by light game play.Â
** Athletes that demonstrate exceptional performance and or potential will be highlighted for future Free Jacks academy events and pathways.
session 3:
SHIELD PRESENTATION
Ages: All welcome
Aim: To meet and greet with players and take pictures with the MLR Shield
What to Bring: Camera or phone for photos and Anything you would like signed.Â
Time: 3:15pm – 4pm
** Please be aware that some shield presentations may take place at alternate locations, such as local restaurants or family friendly bars. Please check in with Free Jacks staff for updated information.Â
Free Jacks Learn to Play Sessions are designed for children aged 8 – 14 who have little or no rugby experience. These sessions assist children who are interested in learning the fundamental skills of rugby through drills and games. All participants will have access to coaching from MLR Championship winning Free Jacks players, Staff and Coaches.Â
Every Youth participant receives a Boot Bag and Drink Bottle. Clinics will compose of different stations led by Free Jacks Staff and Players covering the key rugby components of Catch, Pass, Tackle Technique and Breakdown followed by light game play. Clinics will be followed by an Autograph session.
“these sessions are the first step toward playing elite and professional rugby Â
From learn to play to Academy ID sessions we are always on the look out for talent. These sessions are so important for us to discover the players that we have in our back yard and to help them not only excel in our academy, but also to go on to bigger and better things; whether that be playing for the Free Jacks, or even progressing on to national and olympic teams.
Thomas Grant, Free Jacks Head of Academy & Community
Free Jacks Academy Players
“The FJ academy is helping me achieve my rugby goals by giving me the opportunity to play against some of the top competition from all over the country.”
Pathway:
Free Jacks Academy >> Junior Jacks
“My Free Jacks Academy experience has been very beneficial. I’ve learned from some really amazing coaches at the very beginning of my rugby career who have elevated my play significantly … The academy is helping me achieve my goal by making me a better player and giving me exposure and connections. Without Wheels and the academy coaches I would have never been able to join the USA High Performance Pathways and play for the USA U18 team in South America.”
Pathway:
Free Jacks Academy >> Junior Jacks >> USA U18s
