First and foremost the club would like to thank everyone who has helped coach the minis over the past season. At any age, but particularly for young boys and girls, sessions and matches must be fun and there was plenty fun on show week-in week-out last year. They must equally be fun for the coaches and I think most coaches would agree that it is a very fulfilling hour and a half each week. It is very satisfying to see the boys and girls develop and grow as the season flows past.
Like everything in life, coaches move on as their kids grow and new coaches are needed to fill the breach. Any mum or dad who is tempted to "give it a shot" is more than welcome. Just listen to the experience of underage coach Ger Sugrue:
"I only ever played soccer at school but started playing rugby at university - although my player days are now (my wife advises) - and I say probably - over, I remain a rugby fan. I'll watch the game in any format. When our three boys were old enough I brought them to the minis hoping they'd enjoy the game as I did.
I'd spend the morning roaming from pitch to pitch watching them play- then one day Ian Harrington asked for help with the U12s and I asked myself - if I was ok just to stand and watch others put in the effort to teach my children and not pay it back.
This is my fourth year coaching - I'm not a Joe Schmidt, a Graham Henry or an Eddie Jones - I'm just good enough. If you can catch a ball and pass it, remember the names of 20-30 youngsters (you'll get to know what names were popular in any given year), and copy the drills that the experienced coaches are doing - you'll be ok.
It's great to watch them gradually learn to time their pass to a team mate who has a simple run to the line or to work together to drive the opposition off the ball at a ruck. For me rugby is the ultimate 'team' sport - the kids will learn self confidence and learn appreciate their own power and strength, but they'll also learn to work as a team, and to rely on each others' efforts."
The culture built up under minis coordinator Liam Murphy is very welcoming and supportive. New coaches are always paired with more experienced coaches so it is easy to learn on the job. Munster-run courses are also offered for all coaches. These combine theory (child development, session planning....) and practical (on-field drills, games....) and give that boost of confidence needed when doing anything new.
If you are tempted please send Liam a Whatsapp or call him on 087-4145662. You'll be delighted you did!!
