The postponement of competitive fixtures until 2021 and suspension of midweek Junior training, has provided the club with a unique opportunity to address a number of areas of development this autumn.
In response to discussion in the September #OneClub coaches' meeting, the club will be providing a series of CPD sessions for its coaches begining this month, led by Director of Rugby Sam Simpson.
For those who are new to the club, Sam Simpson is a RFU qualified coach mentor and coach educator. Sam began his rugby career at Eccles as a Junior and Colt, leaving to further his playing career at Level 2 with Fylde, Sedgley Park and Rossendale before returning to Eccles as Director of Rugby and Head Coach. Sam has coached Eccles RFC to three league promotions and a Lancashire Plate title. In addition to his professional England Rugby Community Coach role, Sam has a wealth of experience at representative level, coaching North England U18s and Lancashire U18s, U16s, U15s, U14s.
More details on the sessions are published below.
Session 1
COACHING THROUGH GAMES CPD
When: Wednesday 28th October, 7pm - 8pm.
Where: Eccles RFC, 3XV pitch.
Fees: FREE
Who: All Eccles RFC coaches are invited and encouraged to attend this CPD session which will feature the Junior Colts and be led by Director of Rugby Sam Simpson.
Objective: Games are exciting, fun and promote teamwork, leadership, spacial awareness and decision making. Activities that require active processing by a participant improve recall, are more enjoyed and create deeper learning. This session will provide practical guidance on the benefits of adopting a player-centred game-based approach to coaching and tangible ideas you can take away to implement in your own sessions.
In advance of the CPD session, all coaches are invited to highlight any areas of personal development, aspects they feel they struggle with and would like to cover on the evening. For example, “coaching a 2 v 1 within a game rather than in a skills zone” , “coaching the breakdown by placing constraints into a game” , “coaching strategic kicking within a game”.
Following the session on the pitch the club hopes to provide some refreshments in the clubhouse.
Please bring a face mask, hand sanitiser, note book.
Please submit your requests and confirm your attendance with Coaching Coordinator Chris Gaffey ASAP.
Session 2
COACHING YOUTH S&C IN A GYM ENVIRONMENT CPD
When: Wednesday 4th November, 7pm - 8pm.
Where: Eccles RFC Gym.
Who: U14, U15, U16 coaches (maximum of 5 coaches can attend)
Fees: FREE
Objective: To provide coaches with theoretical and practical guidance on managing a Strength and Conditioning session with their players in a gym environment. This session, led by Sam Simpson, will provide an introduction to the weights, stations and cardio machines at Eccles and cover the importance of mobility and stability before loading the body to build strength.
Following the session the club hopes to provide some refreshments in the clubhouse.
Please bring a face mask, hand sanitiser, note book.
Please confirm your attendance with Chris Gaffey ASAP.
Session 3
ENGAGING WITH YOUR PLAYERS THROUGH LOCKDOWN CPD
When: Wednesday 11th November, 7pm - 8pm.
Where: Online - Zoom Webinar
Fee: FREE
Who: All Eccles RFC coaches are invited and encouraged to join this session.
Session 4
COACH ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES CPD
When: Wednesday 18th November, 7pm - 8pm.
Where: Online - Zoom Webinar
Fee: FREE
Who: All Eccles RFC coaches are invited to join this session.
Session 5
QUESTIONS vs INSTRUCTIONS COACHING CPD
When: Wednesday 25th November, 7pm - 8pm.
Where: Online - Zoom Webinar
Fee: FREE
Who: All Eccles RFC coaches are invited and encouraged to join this session.
