Green and Wood Inducted Into Record-Breaking Rookie Camp

Alex Green and Sam Wood were part of a historic PCA Rookie Camp, which inducted a record 69 players prior to the start of the 2025 domestic season.

The Leicestershire Academy graduates were in attendance at Edgbaston to gain an insight into the support provided by the PCA and its representatives, which included guest speakers Keaton Jennings and Sophie Luff.

Sessions included ‘self-awareness in professional sport’ and ‘being an elite athlete’ delivered by former footballer Leigh Nicol and current rugby player Celia Quansah, followed by an open discussion on the future of the women’s game.

Rookie Camp also featured educational seminars on effective use of social media and maintaining healthy relationships, as well as an awe-inspiring talk from double amputee Shaun Whiter, while former footballer Scott Davies shared a lecture on gambling education.

Commenting on his experience, all-rounder Sam Wood said: “It was great to experience my first camp and gain new perspectives from some inspiring voices across sport. Every sport is different, but we share so many similarities in the challenges we face.

“I enjoyed connecting with my peers from other counties to get to know their characters and understand how they approach some of the issues we face as young professionals.

“Harry [Swindells] and Rishi [Patel] are great representatives for us a club, they keep us really informed, but it was invaluable to hear firsthand about the support the PCA provide to us throughout our careers. We’re very fortunate.”

PCA Managing Director of Member Services, Ian Thomas, said: “Having a record year with player attendance is fantastic. There’s been some fantastic engagement with some great questions and we encourage the players to be inquisitive.

“The aim is always to get the players to understand what we do at the PCA and how we can help them. It’s a great education opportunity to reinforce key messages around professional behaviours and trying to protect them from the pitfalls that may face them as a professional athlete.”