The Coventry Jets will begin their search for new players with weekly training sessions beginning on October the 24th. 2010 marked Coventry's most successful season for rookie recruitment since 2004 with a class that included Rookie of the Year Mark Wade.
As well as the young Rugby convert the Jets also uncovered defensive end Colm Jones and wide receiver Chris Shorey, with all three making an immediate contribution.
"It was a stellar year for rookies" stated delighted Head Coach Gerry McManus "we unearthed a lot of young talent that will contribute to this team for years to come." Like last year's rookie recruitment, this year will also see the whole club looking for new players. 2010 marked the debut season for the Jets' youth programme and saw no fewer than 18 rookies taking the field for the young squad.
Whilst the youth team will be looking for 17-18 year olds the juniors will be focused on players aged 14-16. In only their second season
Coventry's talented junior squad made a marked improvement and qualified for the post-season playoffs for the first time. With quarterback Tom Clancy and running back Denzel Harmitt-Alexander set to return alongside nine other members of the 2010 side, the Jets should mount a strong challenge for 2011 but will be looking for even greater numbers to help their quest for a first national title.
As for the seniors, Wade, Shorey and Jones were joined by Sat Dhaliwal, Kevin Flynn and Shaun Rice amongst many others as McManus' men enjoyed a bumper crop of rookies in 2010. "We've set a good standard this year and know that we can improve on that" said McManus, continuing "we've looked at what we've done well this year and had plenty of feedback from everyone that took part. Taking that on board we're confident that we'll offer an even better experience to people new to the sport".
Pinley RFC will host the first of the rookie events on Sunday the 24th of October at 10:30. The sessions will continue weekly until the veteran playing staff return in January to prepare for EFAF Cup and BAFA Premier seasons. For more details on the Coventry Jets and to find out how you can be part of their 2011 campaign, please visit their website www.covjets.com. You can also follow the Jets on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.