31/03/2016
Sorry for the late message. I had hoped to talk to everyone at our breakup, however due to the weather and players starting their club football it made it imposable.
Our introduction to Junior Gold did not go to plan with a few players pulling out early, then we had a number of injuries, but the team remained strong. Looking back at those few things plus our trip to Rockhampton to play a one sided game of football, it says a lot about the group of kids we had. As a coach of this team I couldn’t have been prouder of the boy’s efforts and the way they carried themselves and represented Logan.
Despite our place on the ladder, I think every player reached the goals they set for themselves. In my opinion this program is not about finishing first or winning the trophy at the end. The program is about the individual and giving them the tools they need to make it to the next level. Not only have they seen the level of football they need to get to but they now know the level of work ethic and behavior they need to reach. I truly believe if you fix up off field problems, success on the field usually follows. This is now the All Blacks mantra “Better people make better All Blacks” My word of advice to the boys would be to just truly enjoy your football first and the rewards will follow.
It was very difficult for us as coaches to single out just one boy for Henry’s ‘Reds’ training shirt. We had a tremendous amount of talent and all the boys can be very proud of their achievements. The decision came down to someone that epitomizes what this team was all about. He helped the other boys to be better and to get his team over the line, at times jeopardizing the limelight for himself. We recognized this attribute in this player from day one and as coaches we identified that these small thing could turn into big things. As parents, spectators and coaches it’s very easy to get caught up in the glory of try’s, big runs and big hits and the players that make this happen can easily be overseen. However this boy could not be ignored. We had such a lot of talent this year but player that we choose because of his exceptional qualities on and off the field was Luke.
Finally, I’d like to finish with some advice to all the parents. This will come as little surprise to everyone but this was by far the hardest team I have been a part of. I have played and coached rugby my entire life at a junior and senior level. Please be mindful that I do this for the love of Rugby and the joy it brings me to watch player’s development and the joy they get from playing. Please be clear there are no issues with money because we don’t get paid, no-one on the coaching staff gets paid, nor do we expect to.
I will be completely honest with you, I have coached the under 15 Junior Gold for 3 years running and have really enjoyed the program; however I can’t see myself coaching again next year. A word of advice to you all, you need to know your actions can prevent coaches picking your children for their team. I’ve coached many team and coached at a high level. I can tell you as coaches we select on character as well as talent, which means some of most promising players never pull on the rep jersey. Kids also pick up on your actions and this can adds pressure on them to perform and prevent them from enjoying playing.
I’m a realist, I know what it’s like to have kids and we all want the best for them. All your children want is to make you proud and to do the best they can. What role can you play in this? Just be there for them to support them and their development, the rest will come naturally to them. I promise you, you’ll be surprised at how these few simple words can help your children’s confidence “I really enjoy watching you play”.
I look forward to seeing the boys on the fields over the coming years.
Rob.
