Bradford Bulls give boost to academy and scholarship sides

The third lockdown has been tough for sports people who are used to training on a regular basis.

Head academy S&C coach Chris Chapman has had to adapt to provide the same standard of provision regardless of the situation – which has provided opportunities to introduce education around why certain exercises are introduced.

“Louis and Chris have been excellent from when they were appointed before Christmas, providing excellent support, ideas, and a point of contact for our scholarship boys - including exercise classes working on difficult components of strength and conditioning,” said Chapman.

“Educational seminars (two per week) cover topics such as energy systems, muscle fibres, sleep and nutrition and we have also created a Strava group competition for the boys.

“We also have weekly fitness challenges which have been an inter-academy competition, with all age groups competing with each other.

“We are also engaging with the community, helping out the Bradford Bulls Foundation – offering one to one support for each player.

“We are planning for the return and we have been given support from our medical department also – with Tom Butterfield heading up Zoom mobility sessions.

“This has provided a full programme for the whole academy, with something happening daily to keep the players engaged on a physical level, but more importantly on a psychological level.”

“I am really pleased with the appointment of Louis Birchall and Chris Honor – they will add real value to our outstanding strength & conditioning department, run by Chris Chapman,” said head of youth Leigh Beattie.

“The work they have put in during this new lockdown to keep the players engaged has been outstanding.

“There has been a lot of planning in zoom sessions and education. Especially given they are volunteering their time, they are leaving no stone unturned.”