Our coaching staff are led by Lead Coaches Dave Morford and Alison Kelly, they are assisted by Ian Hooper, Paul Kelly, Mark Beecroft Sabrina Kaci and AJ Vaughan.

Dave and Alison have completed their Level 1 qualifications and hope to have successfully completed Level 2 by the end March 2014, they also hold First Aid in Rugby Union Certificates, and have attended Safeguarding Children and Scrum Factory workshops

Ian and Paul have attended their Rugby Ready workshop.

Our Coaching Philosophy.

WE MEASURE SUCCESS NOT JUST BY WINNING BUT BY THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR YOUNG PLAYERS.

The challenge for our players is to always improve, to always get better.

The basics will always stay the same, we will help ALL of our players to develop their core skills of CATCHING, PASSING, RUNNING, and KICKING.

The best sports people in the world practice more than they play.

To be good at something takes practice, and lots of it.

We guarantee our players maximum levels of fun and enjoyment, otherwise there is no point in playing

We use a player centred approach, and use Teaching games for Understanding (TgfU) rather than drills to lay the foundations, so that all of our players can begin to develop the high skill levels we want all of them to achieve.

We also want to develop our players FUNdamentals of Movement, game understanding, spatial awareness and decision making under pressure.

“No one is bigger than the team”

“Character triumphs over talent

We ask the players and ourselves one fundamental and simple question : How can we do this better ?

Culture

We aim to create an inclusive, positive and challenging culture of continuous improvement, where the children feel connected and valued in an environment of care and understanding.

“We all want our team to win, of course we do, but for me seeing the players develop as individuals and a team, gain confidence and learn new techniques which they can then turn into skills that they can use in match's and maybe in life away from rugby gives me as a coach far more pleasure and satisfaction”

Sessions

We normally start sessions at 10.15am, we encourage the players and their parents to arrive early so that we can start on time.

If we are playing matches they normally Kick Off at 11.00am and we finish at 11.45am

Please look under our RESULTS AND FIXTURES page for details of where we are playing each week

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/manchester/m/fixtures-results-14727.html

Our Core Values

The qualities we look for in our players are based around our core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship

We also look for our players to have Character, Resilience, Attentiveness and most importantly to always have fun and enjoy themselves and also to build strong long lasting friendships

Safeguarding

We want to provide all players with an environment that is safe, and a culture that gives them the best possible experience and opportunity in Rugby Union.

Everyone whether as a parent, coach, spectator or club official shares the responsibility for safeguarding.

A public footpath currently runs alongside some of our pitches

The club grounds are private property and anyone who we do not know or recognize will be challenged with regards to the Safeguarding of our Children.

It is imperative that everyone demonstrates exemplary behaviour.

This not only ensures the game makes a positive contribution to the development of the children, safeguards them and promotes their welfare, but also protects all personnel from allegations of abuse or poor practice.

If we feel that parents/coaches or spectators are putting unnecessary pressure on the players and/or match facilitator, games will be stopped and coaches spoken to, once the facilitator is happy that such behaviour will not continue the match will resume.

This is non-negotiable and we have a Zero Tolerance threshold

First Aid.

We have two first aiders within our coaching team. If a player is injured please allow them to make an assessment. If a player is deemed unfit by the first aiders then their decision must be respected by coaches and parents alike.

http://www.rfu.com/takingpart/playerhealth/concussion

IRFU docs

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/30281.php

Safeguarding

http://www.rfu.com/managingrugby/safeguardingchildren

Kit

Having the right kit to play in and for the conditions is paramount to both player and parent enjoyment. If you are new to the club, you are not expected to purchase the kit immediately. General advice would be to leave it for a month at least to see if your child likes playing. If you haven’t got the Manchester Rugby Club kit having registered with the club and wish to play in competitive/friendly games you need to wear a red top, navy/black shorts and red socks. For tournaments (RFU sponsored) you need to wear the official kit (club shirt, navy shorts and red socks) which can be purchased the club shop.

CLOTHING - Important

All players will be expected to turn up to training wearing appropriate rugby kit. A tracksuit (top and bottoms) is also required for use on cold days and for traveling to festivals. Boots with aluminum studs or rubber molded soles are to be worn for training and matches.
If players arrive without the appropriate kit they will be sent home - NO EXCEPTIONS

BOOTS - Important

Although IRB regulations permit the wearing of soccer style boots with blades instead of studs, there is some dissatisfaction within rugby circles with this type of boot because of the potential injury risk to both the wearer and opposition team players. Certainly by the time you reach the 15 a side game the club would prefer that players wear boots that have aluminium (preferably kite marked) screw in studs or rubber moulded sole boots. The wearing of plastic studs and boots which have an extra toe stud will not be allowed. If in doubt, check with your lead coach before you buy new boots.

GUM SHIELDS/MOUTH GUARDS - Important

All players who play contact (Under 9’s) rugby MUST wear a guard for training and playing. You may contact your own dentist for proper moulded ones which are best. Self fix ones are available at all good sports shops or on-line sports stores as well as the club shop.

If your child forgets to wear dental protection - your child WILL NOT be allowed to play.

BODY ARMOUR/HEAD GUARDS

These are becoming increasingly popular amongst players. They are not obligatory and players may wear them if they so wish.

THERMAL LAYERS

Children can get very cold, very quickly. We therefore encourage our players to purchase cheap thermal/skins.This is increasingly popular in cold weather, but again not obligatory.

SHIN PADS

Players are encouraged to wear shin pads and ankle protection if available, especially for contact rugby. Not obligatory.
STICKY MITTS

These are allowed for playing in and are particularly effective in very cold weather when young hands can get cold in order to catch and grip the ball. There are now thermal versions available as well with the sticky pad. Ordinary gloves will NOT be allowed.

SPECTACLES

Unfortunately but especially in contact rugby any normal eyewear (excluding contact lenses) is not allowed because the risk of injury to the wearer and possibly other players.

In an effort to allow people who need to wear corrective lenses to do so safely while playing Rugby and to accommodate people with monocular vision or chronic eye conditions who wish to wear goggles while playing Rugby, the IRB has developed specific goggles – “Rugby Goggles”. Rugby Goggles have been developed with a view to posing no additional risk to the wearer and other players. wearer and possibly other players.

http://www.irbplayerwelfare.com/goggles

http://www.raleri.com/new/ProdottiIRBTrialApprovedGogglesuk.html

SEVERE WEATHER

Please come to training/matches with appropriate clothing for the weather on the day. Always have hats, gloves, waterproof tops. A snack and a drink is always useful. These can be found in the clubhouse for adults and children....and finally

All items of jewelry must be removed before training. This includes necklaces, rings and bracelets plus the coloured rubber and cord wrist bands that are currently popular

PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO LABEL YOUR KIT (including boots)

Players’ Awards

We hold an M & J Presentation at the end of season, the decision on which player (and family) gets them will be based around our core values, attendance, how a player has improved over the course of the season, their character, commitment and effort.

Festivals/Tournaments

When we have to select a squad for festivals the policy is simple, those players who have the highest % level of attendance will be rewarded by priority in selection.

Character will always come before talent,

Pitches

Follow the gravel path from the clubhouse, along the side of the stadium, once you reach the end we will be either on the far right hand side of the cross pitch or we will be across the brook.

Toilets are situated at the clubhouse

Contact Details

Head Coach - David Morford

davidmorford01@gmail.com or on 07771747392

Team Manager/Coach - Alison Kelly

alisonkelly2011@hotmail.co.uk or on 07832719686

Thankyou for choosing Manchester Rugby Club