Nearly 50 coaches from local clubs and schools headed to Cambridge RFC in July for the opening day of this new programme, unique among the Aviva Premiership clubs, which passes on the best coaching practice used at Franklin’s Gardens and encourages debate within the grassroots game that is key to the future health and growth of rugby union within the East Midlands and Eastern Counties.
Session one, to be delivered by Academy Development coach Jon Curry, focuses on the forwards’ set pieces, the scrum and lineout, and will cover topics including binding and set-up among the top five, driving and ball delivery, jumping and lifting, and practice drills and games.
Session two, to be delivered by Elite Player Development Group manager Ross Stewart, will cover adaptive games, what they are and why they are used, the best games to use in a particular situation, player-led coaching and break-out skills.
Both sessions will be delivered at either Franklin’s Gardens or Olney RFC (East Midlands) and at Stowmarket RFC (Eastern Counties) to give as many coaches as possible the opportunity to take part. Sessions will include both presentations and practical demonstrations, and will count towards a coach’s continuing professional development within their RFU Licence.
Curry says that after having had a great first session in Cambridge he is looking forward to Cascade Coaching continue to grow and develop in the coming months.
“Our first session in Cambridge was a good day and everyone involved got a lot out of it,” he said. “It clearly showed that there is an appetite among club and school coaches to learn and develop their own skills, and we’re looking forward to the programme growing over the coming season.
“Here at the Saints we believe in the importance of helping club and school coaches, who in turn can develop even more talented players to help their own teams, as well as increasing the number of players who have the ability to play at a higher level.”
Session 1 will be held on September 7th (Franklin’s Gardens) and September 14th (Stowmarket). Meanwhile Session 2 will be held on October 5th (Olney RFC) and October 12th (Stowmarket). On all evenings registration starts at 6:15pm.
Attending Cascade Coaching is absolutely free; to book your place email Katharine Burrows, assistant Academy administrator – [email protected]
Specific questions about the sessions can be emailed to Jon Curry – [email protected]
