Leeds Rhinos coaches are backing the latest coach education programme offered by Leeds Rhinos Foundation.
Former player and current Leeds Rhinos coach Chev Walker and Academy strength and conditioning coach, Professor Kevin Till, led an introductory session to the new project ‘Rhinos RAMPAGE’.
45 coaches attended the session from a variety of clubs across Leeds, to learn more about the new course and to see a demonstration of a session with Guiseley Rangers under 12s.
The layout for the session followed the RAMPAGE acronym (R-Raise, A-Activate, M-Mobilise, P-Potentiate, A-Activity, G-Games, E-Evaluate). The course aims to implement and develop strength and conditioning of junior players aged 12-14-years old. It will run in community Clubs before moving to schools.
The project is part of the charity’s ‘Rugby League Development Plan’, which is supported by MEARS, and is a benefit for club’s who are part of their Ambassador scheme.
Walker, who joined the Rhinos coaching staff last season, said he was pleased to be supporting the coach education project.
“Leeds Rhinos Foundation do a great job across the board, and these workshops are outstanding. It’s about giving back to the community game because there are so many players in the Rhinos first team that have been part of a community club and it’s only right, as a club, that we give back to those coaches that put their time and effort into community clubs.
“I think that the numbers we had tonight, if we could get that regularly, would enable more amateur players to benefit from the knowledge that is being passed down about the importance of strength and conditioning. This would mean that when we get the players in, if they gain a scholarship, the players will already know what’s needed and what’s expected of them at that level.”
Steve Lawrie, Under-10s coach at Brotherton Bulldogs said: “If you’re an upcoming coach, you might not have a rugby league background, so sessions like these are great because you can take away plenty of techniques, that you wouldn’t normally think of, away with you.”
To find out more email sam.horner@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.