Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Coach Education programme returned for a coaching workshop on delivering Primary Rugby League at the home of Stanningley ARLFC last week.
The Coach Education programme, organised by the Leeds Rhinos Foundation with support from Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Brian McDermott and his team of staff including Assistant Coach Barry Eaton, is now in its 5th year and part of the charity's Rugby League Development plan sponsored by MEARS.
The RLDP plan, which was created in 2013, has been designed to increase player participation, fan engagement and improve standards in all aspects of the game, with the Coach Education programme developed to improve the teaching and coaching of all players in the city through the upskilling of part time and amateur coaches.
The Primary Rugby workshop, which took place at Stanningley ARLFC's home ground at the Arthur Miller Stadium was led by Leeds Rhinos Foundation Partner Schools Officer Tony Aubrey, who delivers multi-skills and Primary Rugby League in the schools and also as part of his club set up at Birstall Victoria.
Concentrating primarily on the needs of coaches who are either new to the game or new to coaching, parents involved in the younger junior age groups interested in Primary Rugby League delivery and coaches looking for new drills and ideas, the session was delivered with the help of Stanningley ARLFC's Under 9s players.
Using six stations incorporating different age appropriate drills, Tony showcased different types of games and drills with the emphasis on linking the skills and movement to the game of Rugby League, including a new take on kick tennis with the addition of more movement and passing to finish off.
Community Clubs Development Officer for the Leeds Rhinos Foundation Sam Horner commented:
"The workshop was attended by 18 coaches from a range of clubs from the Ambassador Scheme and from the feedback in group discussion it was clear that the coaches would benefit from more of this type of workshop. Some of the coaches commenting were also eager to use some of the drills and games in their own sessions, which is very encouraging."
"We would like to extend a big thank you to Stanningley ARLFC for hosting the workshop and the under 9s for playing out the drills and coaching scenarios for us on the night. More workshops are planned for coaches of all ages and Assistant Coach at Leeds Rhinos Barry Eaton will continue to work alongside of our staff to advise and create more workshops throughout the year."
For more information on the Leeds Rhinos Foundation's Coach Education Programme contact Sam.Horner@leedsrhinosfoundation.org