Chris Gibbes and Gruff Rees hosted the first of two Coach Development Evenings at Bridgend RFC last week
The evenings, organised by Dan Owens WRU/Ospreys Coach Development Officer, have been designed to give active coaches from across the region a chance to gain an insight into coaching in the professional game and provide them with an opportunity to pick up hints and tips from the Ospreys coaching team.
Clubs from across Ospreylia were represented at the Bridgend Ford Brewery Field, where following a welcome from Dan and the two coaches, they were split into their respective forwards and backs groups.
Chris and Gruff then had a chance to discuss with the attendees what areas were particularly affecting their game and look at how the coaches could help them and their team’s performance.
The two groups then took to the field with for practical demonstrations targeting specific areas of the game, with the club coaches present enjoying a hands on demonstration, aided by selected players from their clubs who they had invited along to assist.
To round off an incredibly successful evening, the coaches and players were then given a rare chance to quiz the Osprey coaches in a question and answer session about all areas of coaching and ask about how to help combat any particular problems or improve areas of their training and match performances.
Gruff Rees said:
"Tonight has been a really successful evening I think there's an awful lot that we managed to cover. We feel these evenings are so valuable and important for the coaches in the area, and it's a great opportunity for them to pick up on some of the practical work that we're doing on a daily basis.
“Equally important is the underlying message and principles behind what we do, which go towards the long term development of the players that these guys work with and so you can't underestimate how important these nights are for the future development of Ospreys rugby".
The evening’s organiser, Dan Owens, added:
"We're really pleased with how this evening has gone and it's great to be able to get the professional coaches together with the local coaches from around the region to help them improve their game in a practical manner.
“It's certainly been a success to see so many coaches and players attending and gaining so much from it, and knowing it will then be taken back to their respective clubs to help improve their way of training and playing. If we can improve coaching standards at all levels of the club game, then the standard of player will improve. It is as simple as that. I hope to see even more people attending our next meeting in a few weeks".
Head Coach Steve Tandy and Elite Performance Manager Dan Griffiths will host the next Coaches Development evening, to be held at Gowerton RFC on Wednesday 2nd April (6.30pm for a 7pm start).
Participation is open to any active 1st XV, 2nd XV or Youth coach operating at a club in Ospreylia, and is completely FREE. All coaches taking part are invited to bring along two club players (one forward, one back) who they have identified as likely to benefit most from the experience, who will assist in the practical coaching demonstration.
Places are limited and any coaches wishing to attend should email dowens@wru.co.uk to secure their place.
