Your potential starts here.
The Under 16s Girls Player Development Group (PDG) – Foundation Phase is the first step on the England Rugby performance pathway for talented young players in Cheshire. This programme is designed for girls who are ready to stretch themselves, explore their potential, and take the next step in their rugby journey.
What the Foundation Phase Is
The U16 Foundation Phase is a development programme for girls aged 14–16, delivered by Cheshire RFU as part of the national England Rugby pathway.
It prepares players for progression into the U18 PDG, Cheshire U18s, and ultimately senior women’s rugby.
This stage focuses on:
• High quality skill development
• Decision making under pressure
• Athletic movement and game understanding
• Performance behaviours
• Confidence, resilience, and growth mindset
It is development led, not selection pressured.
The EDGE Framework
The programme uses the national EDGE Framework to help players understand what makes them stand out.
EDGE focuses on four foundations:
E – Explore
Building strong fundamentals in catch, pass, carry, kick and tackle, developed through high quality practice and consistent standards.
D – Decision Making
Identifying and communicating the best space — through, around, or over the defence — and taking space to prevent opposition progression.
G – Growth
Improving over time by learning from experiences, feedback, and purposeful practice.
E – Effort
Effort is about intensity, work rate, and being ready for the next action.
B.A.M – Body Always Moving
B.I.G – Back In the Game
These foundations help players understand their strengths and build the habits needed for the next stage of the pathway.
Who the Programme Is For
The U16 Foundation Phase is designed for players who:
• Show strong core skills
• Demonstrate athletic potential
• Are eager to learn and improve
• Communicate well and work hard
• Already excel in rugby or another sport
What Players Experience
• High quality coaching from Cheshire RFU
• Sessions focused on skill execution, movement, and decision making
• A supportive, challenging environment
• Feedback linked to the EDGE foundations
• Opportunities to stretch themselves and grow
• Preparation for the U18 PDG
This is where players begin to understand what performance rugby looks and feels like.
Email us to find out more: cheshirerfuwomenandgirls@gmail.com
