|
S1
"We have a balanced
coaching plan for the season ahead that recognises
the physical and social demands on the boys as they
get older. The boys will receive top quality coaching
from many different sources and most importantly will
have great fun."
S1 Team Manager
Stephen Paterson
|
|
|
The Squad
(Click photo to enlarge)
Last season was once again fantastically successful
for this age group. More players joined and membership peaked
at 28. The whole squad had the opportunity to play in matches
and Tournaments. The season culminated with Tournament wins
at Currie and Haddington. However, it was the style of rugby
that was played that was the real achievement, as it showed
the considerable progress all the squad have made throughout
the season. The skill development can be traced back to
the highly successful tour of France in February. The Lions
swept all before them and played scintillating rugby. This
development did not come about without hardwork from the
players and coaches. However, the real benefit will be witnessed
next season and there is real cause for excitement, anticipation
and optimism.
Midi Rugby
The squad now move into Midi rugby and the rules change.
The most obvious is that the games are are now thirteen-a-side.
At this age group, it is important to control the amount
of rugby the boys are playing. Many of the boys play school
rugby matches on Saturday and train twice a week. Therefore,
the S1 club season is limited. Few matches are played apart
from the games in the Scottish Cup. There are no tournaments
or friendly fixtures. However, tours to Yorkshire and Ireland
are planned to prepare the squad for the Scottish cup. Therefore,
the great emphasis for the season is to have quality coaching
sessions that are different, fun and maintain the interest
of the players.
Objectives
The are four main objectives for 2003-04:
- To have fun
- To develop team skills
- To develop individual skills
- To win the Scottish Cup
It is important to note that winning the cup is an aspiration
and whilst we would all like to be victorious it may not
happen. Rather, trying to win the cup gives a focus for
the season.
Coaching Strategy
The coaching will be based on the SRU core skills and
practices. It is hoped that this structure is simple and
easy to follow and it will allow parents to understand what
is being worked on in each session. This can be viewed here.
Plan
The coaching has been planned to be different and exciting.
For example, there will be a fitness day followed by a barbecue
at Gullane Sands in September and the next Sunday a teamwork
course at Dundas Castle. In addition, we intend that guest
coaches will take the squad. It is hoped that Graeme Burns,
Brendan Laney, Graham Shield, Todd Blackadder, Ben Hinshelwood;
Jim and Finlay Calder will take a session.
The Coaching Team
|
John Campbell
Coaching co-ordinator
|
Andrew Sutherland
Forwards coach
|
Ewan Grant
Backs coach
|
|
Played rugby at Stewart's Melville
College. John has gained various coaching awards from
the English Rugby Union and has the Scottish Rugby
Union Level 2 coaching certificate. John is the team
Manager and coach of the Edinburgh U15 Pathways team.
|
Enjoyed a glorious
schoolboy rugby career playing second row for Stewart's
Melville College. Played in the unbeaten side that
was rated the best in the UK. Andrew has his SRU level
1 coaching and refereeing certificate.
|
Ewan also had a glorious
schoolboy career with Stewart's Melville College playing
alongside Andrew. Gained international honours with
Luxembourg during the World Cup qualifying campaign!
He has a Level 1 coaching certificate.
|
Commitment
It is important to note that S1 rugby is voluntary. Not
every boy will be able to come to each session due to family
and other commitments. The boys are developing other important
interests and they are faced with increased workloads from
school. Also, it is important to stress that every squad
member is valued regardless of skill level and each an every
player is an integral part of the squad. Coaching sessions
will reflect this commitment.
Back
to teams menu
|
