SEATTLE – USA Rugby and ATAVUS today announced dates and locations for the 2016 USA Rugby Academy Resident Camps, Powered by ATAVUS, providing a “360° Athlete Experience” for promising men, women, and boys and girls high school athletes.

As a key entry point to USA Rugby programs and teams, the five-day Resident Camps replicate training conditions of a National Team camp, targeting high-potential rugby athletes. Players will work with top ATAVUS and USA Rugby coaches on skills, decision-making, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and sports psychology while training with and competing against athletes from around the country.

The 2016 USA Rugby Academy Powered by ATAVUS Resident Camp schedule includes:

Girls High School Performing Resident Camp – Army & Navy Academy – June 29-July 3

Boys High School Performing Resident Camp – Army & Navy Academy – June 29-July 3

Girls High School Emerging Resident Camp | West – Central WA University – July 9-13

Boys High School Emerging Resident Camp | West – Central WA University – July 9-13

Boys High School Emerging Resident Camp | East – Rutgers University – July 14-18

Girls High School Emerging Resident Camp | East – Rutgers University – July 18-22

Men’s Performing Resident Camp – Dodgertown, Vero Beach, FL – August 8-12

Women’s Performing 7s Resident Camp – Rugbytown USA, Infinity Park – Aug. 16-20

New this year, two levels of Resident Camps programs will be offered this summer: Performing and Emerging, in efforts to place athletes in the appropriate environment to maximize development for all levels of players. Performing Resident Camps are invite or application only and will be compromised of high-level rugby athletes and is the top place to be selected for ATAVUS All-Star teams for both sevens and 15s elite competition opportunities. Emerging Resident Camps are open to any and all athletes newer to the sport ready to progress their individual skills.

“We’re providing an immersive, national team training environment at world-class facilities to prepare promising young athletes for the next step in their development and help them achieve personal aspirations,” said Emilie Bydwell, ATAVUS’ head of rugby programming. “Players will be challenged to learn from and compete against the best on the field, while being introduced to other key aspects of high performance rugby such as nutrition and the mental side of the game.”

The ATAVUS “360°Athlete Experience” at 2016 Resident Camps includes:

Combine testing of vertical jump, 10- and 40-meter dash, and intermittent endurance

Position-specific training for tight five, distributors, and playmakers

International players and coaches utilizing player-centered philosophies

Video analysis of passing, tackling and game play

Technical development to improve game awareness and understanding, core skills and execution under pressure

High performance education on nutrition, speed work and mental skills

Serving as one entry point for USA All-American, USA Eagles Sevens, and USA XVs programs, athletes can attend Resident Camps through invitation by USA National Team coaches based on demonstrated abilities or by applying directly at http://atavus.com/usa-rugby-academy/. All athletes that attend the Resident Camps enter ATAVUS’ player pool for ATAVUS All-Stars selection for both sevens and 15s competition opportunities. For more information on the ATAVUS All-Stars visit atavus.com/all-stars.

ATAVUS is an ancestor from which character is inherited, passing along Rugby while instilling values in every player. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, ATAVUS is relentlessly driven to breed character, develop skills and champion Rugby in the USA and beyond. The company builds and executes sustained, progression-based programming that provides coaching inclusive of any age, skill set or gender. Programs includes the year-round ATAVUS Academy, the USA Rugby Academy Powered by ATAVUS, customizable “Powered By ATAVUS” consulting services, and international programs with key partners including the worldwide HSBC Rugby Festivals. ATAVUS also provides a brand identify, through social media and apparel, for the Rugby community that helps raise the level of noise around the sport in the U.S. For more information on ATAVUS, including upcoming player and coach training sessions visit ATAVUS.com.