BURTON ALBION Academy Manager Dan Robinson has visited Barton under Needwood Rugby Union Football Club to take in a training session and deliver a motivational speech to the players.
Dan was invited to Holland Park Sports Club to give a talk on how Burton Albion manages to find success as a Championship club, despite the Brewers underdog status. He explained the Academy’s philosophy of ‘doing the basics well’ and how that correlates with the values of Nigel Clough’s first-team.
The former Brewers goalkeeper talked about his 12 years in New Zealand and gave some light-hearted anecdotes about his time as a player and a coach. Dan also took questions from members of Barton RUFC, which he answered in great detail.
The Academy has placed an emphasis on forging relationships with the local community. The ‘One of Our Own’ project has seen numerous local businesses become partners of the Academy, while the department also works closely with the Burton Albion Community Trust to utilise its knowledge of local schools.
Dan enjoyed the chance to speak to the rugby club and is keen to go back and watch them play.
"Tonight has been a fantastic opportunity for me to meet some great people at a great rugby club,” he said.
“Having spent 12 years in New Zealand, I have a great interest in rugby and to have the opportunity to see the players train has been brilliant. I hope they enjoyed what I had to say and I thank Dick Titley (Barton RUFC Chairman), Peter Weedon and Tom Robinson (coaches) for the opportunity to talk about our club. I am looking forward to going to watch one of their games soon."