An ‘All Coaches Engagement and Communication Meeting’ was held at the club from 8pm on Friday 24th June.

Rhodri Lewis, Head Coach, led a welcome and briefing meeting to kick off the new 2016/2017 season. Sean Morgan, Vice Chair was also in attendance.

The main purpose of the meeting was to pull all the current and prospective coaches across the entire club together, unite them as one, explain how the Club Vision and Values are played out in our coaches. It was explained that the Board believe that the Coaches should be the visible leadership of those values on a day to day basis within the club.

Sean Morgan said “We [Board] believe the coaches are the focal point of this club for both players and parents; they are the day to day leadership of this club and their status should reflect that. They give up their time, energy and skills helping us succeed in our playing aspirations. Our future playing success is with them.”

The Head Coach, Rhodri Lewis has been given a clear remit to deliver a ‘whole club approach & philosophy’ to player development to the benefit of players of all ages and abilities so that everyone succeeds. Driven by its values and beliefs, the club aims are to deliver improved coaching throughout the club to ensure we offer our youngsters the best opportunity to progress in their rugby career. There will be a shift in emphasis from not only measuring success from the matches won but the number of kids that want to continue their interest in Rugby as they get older.

Rhodri Lewis Head Coach commented, “Bringing all the coaches together into one extended team and then organising resources to support that extended coaching team is absolutely the right thing to do. We will provide coaches with the resources, knowledge and networks to understand how to help players at different ages progress or where to go for advice and help when needed”. The Head Coach went on to advise his coaching team; “we are determined to create an environment where we can all work together, to learn from each other for the ultimate benefit of all the players and club”.

Lewis’ development programme includes involving older children from say the U16’s to provide specific skill developments for some of the younger children – for example kicking, tackling, passing or simply developing a great side step. There will be a practical CPD session at 10am-1pm – Sunday 21st August (please attend if you wish to coach) with follow up sessions and forums to be held every 6/8 weeks to discus coaching challenges, changes/interpretation of laws and provide help needed. Lewis also intends to provide invitations for coaches to come and watch and be part of senior training sessions, resource packs that are consistent throughout all teams throughout the club that will show game plan ideas, set moves, kick off set ups and more.

Rhodri said “This will allow us to all be working to the same game plans, calls and moves so skills can be developed consistently as players move up through the age groups. Our vision is to develop a club style over a period of years that reflect our values”.

Joanne Gillam Junior Chair and U10’s Coach commented “It will be great to have a resource book with drills and fun games from which we can consult for ideas when we get stuck. The feeling of being supported by a task squad that will provide help over a couple of sessions is fantastic”. With the sentiment echoed from the other coaches present, Gillam went onto say "Coaches endeavour to deliver on the expectation of the board and parents. We can now look forward to achieving this with the recruitment of a head coach and comprehensive coaching plans. All singing from the same song sheet."

ONWARDS!
Sean Morgan Vice Chair.