A vision for youth rugby
September 28, 2009
The Youth section of the club returned to Monks Lane on 6th September. There are great plans for the Youth section of the club and to this end director of youth rugby, Dave Smith addressed parents at an open forum on Sunday 20th
Some of the key note points of my presentation revolve around the structure, vision and future of the biggest section of the club and I have detailed these points below. It is the start of what I and my team see as a real opportunity to ‘join up’ all sections of the club from the minis through to the 1st XV. After our meeting, the parents and coaches enjoyed a morning of training with great assistance from members of the 1st XV who assisted in each age groups training session.
We have had 1st XV players with us in the past but this weekend saw all the coaches and managers well briefed as to who would be helping them and fully enter into the vision of a joined up approach across the club. Feedback from the weekend was really positive and there are number of future sessions already booked.
I expressed my thanks to 1st XV manager Andy Widdop and the players for giving up their Sunday and making the morning really useful for coaches parents but most importantly the kids in all the age groups.
The new Youth Handbook is now published on the Youth Section of the NRFC website and I encourage all parents and players to read the sections regarding Codes of Conduct which underpin the ethos of the Club and the game we all play.
Moving forward, there is much to do, and I and the Youth Committee are keen to endorse the reignited motto of
“Expect Nothing, Blame No One, Do Something” throughout the Youth section.
The future players of our club are here already. Let’s support them and the section in whatever way we can, either by volunteering - or if you can offer sponsorship for the section or for our festivals - the highlight of our season - then please contact me via the club or on my mobile 07824 994717 if you can offer any assistance.
The key points of my vision are:
Vision
• To nurture Community Rugby and play safely and for fun.
• To maintain and develop the RFU seal of approval.
• To continue Newbury’s Mini, Junior and Colts (Youth Rugby) as one of the leading organisations in the South - if not ALL of England.
• To progress players from U7 to U19 and the onward transition from Colts to Senior Rugby at Newbury Rugby Club.
• To develop a structure which brings ‘home grown’ players across all sides.
• To develop sustainable resource of coaches, first aiders and others to deliver safe and best-in-class coaching at all levels.
Structure - Youth Committee comprises of
• Director of Youth Rugby
• Mini Rugby Manager
• Junior Rugby Manager
• Girls Rugby Manager
• Colts Rugby Manager
Associated to this will be:
• Coaching Co-ordinator
• Child Welfare Officer
• Tournament Director
Organisation
• Each section (Mini Junior & Colts) to have a Fixtures Secretary.
• Each age group to have a Manager and a Head Coach with suitably qualified and CRB checked coaching team.
• On training weekends, the potential to rotate coaches across the age groups to give advice and observe.
• On match days maintain the age group coaching structure.
• To develop a structure with independent head coaches - not age group parent head coaches, from U13 – U16.
To develop strong links by regular meetings with:
• Colts Rugby Management
• Senior Amateur Management
• Professional Rugby Management
• To ‘join up’ each section of the club and be visible as one club.
Dave Smith
Director of Youth Rugby
Comments
Got something to say?