A total of 33 delegates from 20 nations attended a five-day Level 2 coaching course at Leeds Rhinos, part of the EU-backed Training and Education Portal project that is being rolled out across Europe. The seminar coincided wiht the European Union's European Week of Sport Initiative, which is intended to increase sporting participation throughout the continent.

The visit included sessions held at Stanningley on decision making and attacking plays along with studies of defensive systems and strategies at the Super League club’s Kirkstall training complex, together with a farewell dinner in the Taverners at Headingley Carnegie Stadium, the only room in the world that looks out on to two Test arenas. The  course, which saw Rhinos assistant coaches Barry Eaton and Chris Plume deliver most of the content, was overseen by RLEF senior coach educator Martin Crick.

“Having an intense few days has been exceedingly valuable, we’ve got the leading people in each country here and it’s important that they get themselves up-skilled and increase their technical knowledge of the game,” he said. “The delegates have shown great commitment, enthusiasm and work ethic in both the theoretical and practical elements.”

Matt Dulley from Spain noted: “It’s been really important because it is our opportunity to take back some knowledge and our chance to improve ourselves as coaches, and to coach others to be coaches. What it will do for us is now we can start teaching the next generation for up-and-coming tournaments and World Cups.”

Ukraine’s Artur Martyrosyan added: “It is very necessary for us because it is the pinnacle of the sport here and we can use the information to raise our level within our clubs and, especially, provide good quality development work for the kids that come to us.”

RLEF official Remond Safi was also involved in putting the gathering together and looking after the delegates during their stay. “It’s gone really well, it’s great to see a lot of new faces get involved and able to take this information away,” he commented. “The nations look to the likes of Leeds to feed them the next level to upgrade their skills. And sharing discussions about how to overcome common issues is extremely useful for the delegates and the governing body.”

Pictured: Leeds assistant coach Barry Eaton delivers a session to the assembled European coach educator candidates.