Myles is finding a mix of the right commitment, attitude and, while modest to admit it, a fair bit of talent, is putting him front and centre of his sport.
Blazing a trail for his fellow teammates, he is Bede Sixth Form College’s first Newcastle Red Bulls ACE programme player to be selected for the Newcastle Red Bulls U18s Academy squad.
Taking on the Harlequins U18s at Kingston Park, with a 26/19 win, he has already felt the full force of a victory, which he said: “Felt pretty good.”
And as an U18s academy player, the 17-year-old from Ingleby Barwick has also been given the chance to train with the first team.
He said: “It has really pushed me. I used to pay to watch them and then there I am on the training field with them!”
A tighthead prop, in the front row of the scrum, it is essential Myles feels at the top of his game.
Training as part of the ACE programme at Bede, and playing at Darlington Mowden Park RFC, he certainly puts in the hours.
A typical week sees him in training or games five or six days a week, but he feels all the better for it.
“My confidence and performance are improving, I feel fully ready,” he said.
Taking up rugby at 12, he explained it was the physical nature of the sport that first appealed.
He said: “I got kicked out of every football team for being too rough.”
Starting at Yarm Rugby Club, he moved on to Stockton Rugby Club and now calls Darlington Mowden Park his home club.
A second-year student on the sports coaching course at Bede, Myles said the rugby academy was part of the reason he chose the college.
Previously having played for the then Newcastle Falcons U16s Academy squad, before taking some time out from the sport, working on his game with Bede coaches Rob and Ollie helped revive his love of the sport.
“They have helped to develop my skills and made me a better player, with a better attitude,” he said.
When the college launched the Newcastle Red Bulls ACE programme earlier this year it opened-up even better opportunities for the Bede players and their development.
The offer of a place on the Newcastle Red Bulls U18s Academy felt like it came at just the right time for Myles. And a win in his first game has given him even more motivation.
The ACE programme, which stands for Academy Colleges and Education, aims to offer further opportunities for more up and coming young players to access a high level of playing and training whilst being educated.
Bede, which supports talented young athletes and players excelling in their sport through its Institute of Sport and Education, was selected as an ACE partner by Newcastle Red Bulls in May this year.
Bede’s ACE manager Rob Green said: “The purpose of the programme is to further develop our players but with that, working with Newcastle Red Bulls brings the chance for players to be chosen to play for the academy and ultimately even the first team.
“To do that takes the right talent, attitude and commitment and Myles is showing all of that.”
Well done Myles!
