History will be made on Thursday (24th March) when more than 50 delegates from 19 nations assemble at Brunel University, London, for the first RLEF Technical Coaching Strategy course.
The four day get together, the largest of its kind in the sport, will feature topics such as; coaching philosophy, physiology, technical match aspects, principles of team organization, anti-doping, session planning, tactics and psychology.
The delegates will complete the practicals and seminars with a visit to the engage Super League clash at the Stoop between Harlequins and Hull, after which they will receive a post game debriefing from ‘Quins head coach Rob Powell and his assistant Latham Tawhai, who have both recently lent their coaching expertise to the Lebanese national side.
Among the coaches present delivering the modules will be England supremo Steve McNamara, Serbia Technical Director Lee Crooks, Italy Assistant Paul Broadbent, Andy Kelly and RFL Head of Coaching Vinny Webb.
McNamara said: “The number and diversity of the nations now involved in international rugby league is a great sign of our game`s quality and appeal to new and existing audiences. It also confirms the sport is truly developing beyond its existing boundaries”.
The multi-phased project, which will result in each participating delegate receiving a tutor qualification in one or both of coaching and match officiating disciplines, is an integral part of the RLEF’s new eight-year strategy, launched in August 2010.
Its principal aim is to increase participation numbers and empower nations to professionalise their administrations. Being fully equipped to develop the technical side of the sport is the first step.
The project continues in May with the opening phase of the match official’s project, also at Brunel University, followed by a tutor element delivered by region and a third and final phase staged in each country.
McNamara added, “While it is important that each country develops its own particular brand and style of rugby league, it is vital that everybody has the opportunity to learn the key fundamentals and techniques of the game to allow all the nations to blossom.”
“I personally have had many great opportunities and experiences helping pass on knowledge whilst overseas and learned from the people I have worked with there.”