The objective of the England programme is to ensure that players are technically developed, retained and transferred successfully to the Great Britain programme. To accomplish this, in addition to our core England programme initiatives, we need to increase the quality Coaching contact time on a week to week basis with players identified for the England Talent Development programme. This will be done through a series of ‘ExCells’- a play on words as the funding given to the BJA for the England Performance programme is referred to as the ‘Excel’ intervention, the branding for the ExCells can be seen below.

As you will know Matthew Divall has now joined Trevor Sitlinton as a full time member of staff with the England programme- as the England Excel Coordinator. He will lead the new ExCell structure across England – the 2 pilot ExCells are due to commence in the North West and Midlands Areas in line with the identification of the 2010 England Talent Development Squad. We hope to roll out to other Areas as soon as possible.

Following the British Championships in Sheffield on the 10th /11th October Full England squad selections were made. Players who were not able to fight due to their weight categories being withdrawn will be assessed during the first Squad training for co-option. Trevor Sitlinton has the role of coordinating the Core England activities and has been ensuring all players receive Introduction Packs. It is intended that on return of personal coach information, personal coaches will also receive a copy of any communication sent to the squad players.

The Cadet and Junior players within the Squad will go through an Assessment Weekend to identify the England Talent Development Squad, these players become the core of each Area ExCell.

Over the last 18 months Nigel Donohue’s work programme has been split across the England programme and the GB programme. His role with England is strengthened and he will undertake a lead coach role for the core programme (part time), but still maintain his performance analysis support within the GB programme (part time). Jamie Johnson work closely with Nigel to plan and deliver the England Squad activities as England Coach (part time)

Within my role as BJA Performance Operations Manager I oversee Home Country Programmes, for the England programme involves the line management of England Staff and creation of an environment for the staff to carry out their jobs.

Finally we are formally recognising the Personal coaches of players, who support the programme, as England Support Coaches, we hope to publish this list shortly.