This week players from Leeds Rhinos’ Under-19s squad have attended a course to study for their Rugby League Level 1 Coaching badges.
The players have been working with Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Community Clubs Development Officer, Sam Horner, towards their qualifications and will now be able to offer support to the charity and community clubs with coaching.
Jonny Wainhouse, Academy Coach with Leeds Rhinos said: “We are really pleased that our players have been able to complete these qualifications, this will not only develop their understanding of the game, but it will also give them an opportunity to work with their community clubs and support Leeds Rhinos Foundation.”
On the course the players learned about the differences between coaching adults and children, the fundamentals of coaching such as (SOL) stability, object control and locomotion and creating a fun a safe environment for children to learn in.
Sam Horner said: “We are extremely lucky as a charity with the support we get from Leeds Rhinos and their players. The majority of players in the squad have played for local junior clubs and they understand the importance of giving back and supporting the community game.
“To have all these players now qualified as level 1 coaches, with the commitment to offer coaching in clubs, is so valuable to the game and will be a big support for us and I am sure having players who have progressed through from playing for their community club to representing the Rhinos will be a big inspiration for the young players they coach.”
The development of new coaches is about helping to improve standards and increasing participation, which is key to Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Rugby League Development Plan, sponsored by MEARS.
“Our coach education programme has seen huge benefits for the community game since we started it 10 years ago,” added Horner. “We are delighted that we are now able to help more coaches gain the relevant qualifications and are now able to offer level 2 coaching courses in partnership with the RFL, which will be a huge benefit to our game.”
For more information on level 1 and 2 coaching qualifications contact sam.horner@leedsrhinosfoundation.org