The RLEF Technical Strategy completed Phase 2 of its MENA coaching project in Beirut following a four-day course conducted by RLEF Coaching Manager Martin Crick. It followed on from the opening coaching phase in London in March. The course was hosted by Lebanese American University, a founder member of the Lebanese rugby league and one of the sport's biggest supporters in the Middle East.
“The enthusiasm and commitment of the coaches has been refreshing and invigorating,” said Crick. “When one considers the often difficult environments in which these coaches operate and the problems they face in accessing resources and facilities, I can only marvel at their energy and unfailing optimism. The course consisted of two days taking the coaches through the new RLEF Level 1 programme and then two days training them as tutors and assessors to deliver this programme. The aim now is to get these coaches training the next generation.”
He continued, “I have no doubt that the Lebanese, American and Palestinian coaches are very capable of passing their disciplines on, their technical knowledge and skills are impressive. The Moroccan coaches are at an earlier stage of their development but have made considerable progress since March. We are progressing well towards our goal of having RLEF member nations self-sufficient in terms of their coach education, which means more coaches to train the growing number of players in each country.”
The course was held at Lebanese American University, International College and American Community School. MENA Regional Director Remond Safi was pleased with the results. “I was particularly impressed by the two Palestinian candidates, who really stood out. The Moroccan coaches will play a major role in setting and improving Moroccan rugby league standards.”
Tutor candidates included Morocco Rugby League’s Anas Mansour and Abedelwahed Sougini, Palestine Rugby League’s Ahmad Al Masri and Khaled Issa, the Lebanese Rugby League Federation’s Robin Hachache and Nayef Abisaid, the USARL’s Mikhael Shammas, who was visiting Lebanon, and the RLEF’s Safi. The Moroccan rugby league clubs are in the process of applying to become an approved federation by the Ministry of Sport in Rabat while, in other news, the Saudi Arabian organisation is now in talks with the government there to obtain official recognition.