Over 100 junior rugby coaches, players and parents eager to learn skills and drills to improve their junior rugby game turned out in full force at the New Plymouth round of the CrestClean LeslieRugby Junior Rugby Coaching Programme.
Coaching sessions were held at Yarrow Stadium on April 4 and New Plymouth Boys’ High School on April 5.
The programme is aimed at junior rugby coaches and/or parents who are interested in coaching the game in the future. It promotes fundamental skill development and makes it easier for junior team coaches to deliver a high value rugby practice. The programme also ensures players are given an enjoyable and beneficial experience. Coaches receive a pocket-sized Skills and Drills booklet that makes it easier for them to train teams.
During each session, which are run by former Highlanders and Scotland Captain John Leslie, a team of 12-year-olds demonstrate 14 core skills while he explains his coaching philosophies and tips for keeping the energy high and the game fun for kids.
“Feedback has been super positive,” John says. “Word is definitely being passed around the rugby community to get to these high value demonstrations and for coaches and parents to get their hands on these coaching booklets.”
Taranaki Regional Manager Prasun Acharya enjoyed attending the coaching session.
“It was interesting. I talked to a few of the parents that were there and they were impressed with how the session content and how it was run,” he says. “The skills and drills booklets were very well received. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to improve and to learn.”
The coaching session was featured in the Taranaki Daily News.
Coaching sessions will also be held at Hawera High School at 4pm and Southern Rugby Football Club, Hawera, at 6pm on April 6.
