Boots...check.
Shorts...check. Waterproofs...check. Packing my kit bag felt like
wrapping presents at Christmas. The excitable child side surfaced,
as I preparing to embark on an extremely valuable experience.
I
finished packing the car and with butterflies swirling in my tummy,
headed off to Franklin's Gardens to participate as a newly qualified
coach at Northampton Saint’s Elite Insurance Summer Camp that
started on Monday 27th
July.
That
'new kid at school,' feeling soon subsided however, as I was greeted
by the lovely Charlie Eggleton who made me feel extremely welcome.
She introduced me to the Community Coaches team whom I would be
working with for the week – and as it was the girls turn - we
started off the camp with a bang. It was the first time ever that
Northampton Saints had hosted a specific day to encourage girls to
play rugby, what an achievement.
#ThisGirlCan!
Alongside
the experienced professionals, it was the perfect opportunity to
throw myself in at the deep end; to experience first hand what
community coaching is all about. Having the opportunity to work with
21 girls enabled us as coaches to work with the girls in pairs,
developing their confidence and paying attention to specifics. We
focussed on getting the girls to communicate, call for the ball and
develop their handling techniques as we gradually progressed into
game scenarios and also tackling exercises throughout the day.
Day
One was absolutely awesome. I was knackered but also had such a
sense of achievement, being able to encourage the girls, seeing them
enjoy themselves and work alongside top coaches such as Phil Powell,
who also coaches Bedford Blues.
Day
Two and for the rest of the week as a matter of fact, the intensity
was full on, with 250 kids being welcomed to the Elite Insurance
Summer Camp. It was overwhelming to see just how many kids want to
be involved in rugby; from those as young as six to sixteen. And
even though the rain pelted down, that didn't stop us all from having
a fantastic time. I was lucky enough to be on rotation, working with
all coaches and age groups to witness how the coaching styles
differed to cater for all ages. I was also lucky enough to work
alongside the Director of Rugby for Cambridge, Rowland Winter.
It
was remarkable to see the kids’ improvement from the start of the
week to the end.
By
the end, the U7’s were playing games of touch, working as a team
and recognising space and the U16’s were playing a quality game of
touch, presenting the ball at the breakdown and developing their leg
drive once tackled.
And
how could I not mention the lunch times? ... I've never cried so much
with laughter! Sitting on the X Factor panel as Sharon Osborne was a
highlight, undoubtedly. Listening to a rap, watching a dance-off and
just hearing all the kids in their groups having fun and making the
most of this time spent together on the Saints Summer Camp. Magical
memories!
The
week rounded off with two special highlights; All kids were
presented with a T-shirt, rugby ball and goody bag; Plus either Tom
Collins or Stephen Myler presenting them with their Kick, Pass, Run
Challenge Awards, in the form of a Certificate.
Hats
off to the whole Community Team at Northampton Saints. What an
incredible set up and what an honour to have worked with you all.
I
can't thank Sian Haynes and Will Parkin enough for allowing me to
participate in such a fantastic and memorable week.
Good
luck to all those Community Coaches at Stowe!
I
imagine the Summer Camp for 2016 will be even bigger!