Sixteen children aged from 14 to 15 at the school have finished the initial stage of the award, which introduces them to the basic themes of coaching. Now, the participants will move on to the advanced level which involves organising an event, specifically planning a coaching session and delivering tag rugby courses in local primary schools.
The sessions, which have been delivered at the school in partnership with Dan Owens, WRU Coach Development Officer for the Ospreys Region, form part of the children’s Improving Own Learning and Performance and Community Participation modules within the Welsh Baccalaureate scheme.
Thirteen of the 16 children taking part have already taken their award further by engaging with rugby clubs in the local community.
Chris Loader, PE Teacher and Head of Year 8 at Dwr y Felin, said: “This award has given the children plenty of confidence. They are more energetic, their co-operation through rugby means they are more enthusiastic and most importantly, they want to work.
“Having Dan Owens from the Welsh Rugby Union come down has been brilliant and the children have really responded. Their behaviour has improved and most importantly, it seems like this is something they want to do. Most of those who have undertaken the award have gone out and carried on coaching in their local clubs which is a brilliant way for them to reach out to the community.
“Hopefully this will have a knock on effect on the rest of the school and others coming through will want to follow their lead. I’m full of praise for the whole initiative.”
Dan Owens, from the WRU, said: “This has been a pilot scheme but the results have been extremely positive. The children have really responded and it’s been great to see them get out into the local community and take their award to the next level.
“From the WRU’s point of view, it’s hugely encouraging to see children keen to be involved in coaching. The fact it forms part of the Welsh Baccalaureate scheme is even better.”
Jason Lewis, WRU National Rugby Development Manager, said: “The incorporation of the WRU leadership award into the Welsh Baccalaureate provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to begin coaching within their local primary school or rugby club, with the added bonus of assisting them with their academic achievement.
“It’s a great programme that will certainly encourage more pupils to get more involved in their local communities. The WRU is committed to encouraging more young people to get involved in sport as a player, coach or referee.”
Morgan Rogers, 15, who plays scrum half for Dwr y Felin’s Year 10 and 11 sides and is taking part in the scheme, said: “I’ve been doing some coaching at Neath Athletic recently and I’ve really enjoyed the whole experience. I’ve learnt leadership and team work skills and I’d definitely like to carry the coaching on.”
Penny Peet, Assistant Head Teacher at Dwr y Felin, said: “I’ve only got good things to say about what this has done for the children. The personal skills developed through the Welsh Baccalaureate and the rugby coaching course play a vital role in the development of a child.
“Organisation, time management and communication skills are all important when growing up and the rugby award plays a vital part in that. It brings a real community feel to the school and supports the younger children coming through elsewhere.”
Through engagement with the programme, the children have demonstrated an improvement in their knowledge and understanding of coaching as indicated from their benchmark test results. The class’s pre and post award scores show an average improvement of 23 per cent.
Dan Owens added: “The results of the programme indicate this award has a real impact on the lives of pupils that engage with the WRU Welsh Baccalaureate programme. We are keen to engage as fully as possible with schools across Wales and allow pupils the opportunity to grow themselves in an engaging and enjoyable environment.”
For more information on the Tag and Rugby Leaders Award, please contact the WRU Coach Development Officer in your region.
Cardiff Blues: Jonathan Evans (JEvans@wru.co.uk)
Scarlets: Raoul Stevenson (RStevenson@wru.co.uk)
Dragons: Nigel Way (NWay@wru.co.uk)
Ospreys: Dan Owens (DOwens@wru.co.uk)
North Wales: Tim Hoare (THoare@wru.co.uk)
