Video | Coaching Children Webinar
27th April 2020 By The Editor
Paul O'Connell and Donncha O'Callaghan feature in the webinar panel.
The Munster Rugby Development Department hosted a Coaching Children Webinar last week for coaches across the province to continue their learning during this time.
‘Coaching Children – Let Them Play – A Coach And Parent Perspective’ explored how to best support children on their sporting journey with two notable rugby families providing their insight and experience as part of the panel.
The O’Callaghan’s (Donncha and Ultan) and the O’Connell’s (Paul and Justin) reflect on their sporting experiences as children and how coaching can encourage positive development both on and off the pitch.
Donncha said: “It was just happy memories of being outside, being active and playing whatever sport was in season at the time.
“If it was tennis over the net, you would be looking for a gate to use. Or you know the Olympics, you were trying to do every event and so it was about playing with your neighbours, playing with your friends, and hanging around with your older brothers.”
Paul said: “You’re looking for the most amazing drill, you’re looking to do an incredible job straight away, the best way to improve something is just start doing it, review it and make it a little bit better next week and four or five weeks into it, you’ll have a really good drill that will be making a difference to the kids.
“I think not having a massive rugby knowledge can be a big strength when you’re starting to learn to teach kids.
“I’m involved in the ‘Play Rugby’ programme and some of the coaches I’ve met never played the game, they’ve an interest in the game, they’ve ended up in this career, and they are incredible with the kids.
“You don’t need to be an expert in rugby to make a good coach of young kids.”
Munster Rugby Spirit Officer, Emily O’Leary, also provided an insight into the IRFU’s ‘Let Them Play’ campaign, highlighting the importance of creating safe and fun environments for children to enjoy rugby.
The Coaching Children Webinar is available to watch on the Munster Rugby Coaching Resource Playlist – click here.
