Leeds Rhinos Foundation has bolstered their Coach Education programme by securing more Level 1 and Level 2 coaching courses for members of the Club Ambassador scheme.
The courses, run by the RFL in conjunction with Coach Wise, will be delivered by Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s community club’s Development Officer, Sam Horner, and co-delivered by different tutors working in partnership with the charity, including Chris Shaw from Garforth Tigers.
Last year, the Foundation helped to upskill more than 140 community coaches by facilitating courses for community coaches at venues across Leeds, including Emerald Headingley Stadium.
The Coach Education Programme is an integral part of the Rugby League Development Plan, supported by Mears Group, which was launched by the charity in 2013 to improve standards and increase participation throughout the sport.
As part of a joint initiative between Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds Rhinos, the two are working to put through professional players on the Direct Assessment Scheme, again as part of their development and work in the community.
Horner said: “We are very excited about this education and qualification programme, as it has links to many of the other programmes we deliver to help support members of our Ambassador clubs, whether that be players, coaches or other volunteers.
“We find that clubs are welcoming the easy access to these courses, as the format we provide with sessions on evenings and Saturdays fits in well with their own coaching schedules and helps them to get the most out of the programme.”
“It’s also about ensuring that we provide post-qualification support to the coaches back at their clubs through the work of our Rugby League Development Officers to ensure they can continue to provide high quality coaching to young people.”
More courses will be planned in the near future and all information will be posted on the Leeds Rhinos Club Ambassadors Group Facebook page, along with further updates on the Leeds Rhinos Foundation website.
If you or anyone from your club interested in registering for a course, please contact Sam.Horner@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.