|COMMUNITY COACHING|CO CHING MA A


significant part of his continuing drive to attract new recruits to the game, and as part of his coaching.


‘We enthuse young players with some basic facts about their progression within the sport,’ he explains. ‘There’s always a good atmosphere at training sessions as there’s a sense that we are striving together towards specific and reachable goals. ‘I make it clear that for the right player, the sky’s the limit.’


Aghabala says the competition from other sports is very much a double- edged sword. ‘On a numbers basis, not many play Rugby League in comparison to the likes of soccer, for example. But, as I tell those I coach, those who show real promise get to progress swiftly in our game. This is a very attractive prospect, and is totally true, I can’t over emphasise how quick the system of upward mobility is for the right players.’


‘Look at soccer, for example. The game casts huge nets, and picks up so many youngsters, but spits out a good number of them along the way and they never play competitive sport again. But because Rugby League is a leaner model, particularly in London and the South, those who shine do so very brightly, and can enjoy all the mutual benefits this situation offers.’


Once in Aghabala’s charismatic company for a while, it’s difficult for talented young sports stars to break away, and he explains the secret of his well-documented ability to attract more and more young players to our sport.


‘There’s a simple secret – Rugby League itself,’ he explains.


‘Once they’ve played the game, it sells itself, and there’s nothing more for me and other coaches to do than assist their learning and then coach them to play. I’m a firm believer that once Rugby League pulls you in, it’s not something you want to escape from!’


It’s hard to disagree with this point of view, and Aghabala’s ever-expanding recruitment process stands as tangible proof of this.


Registrations are on the up and up, a situation directly related to coaching and training techniques, which have so far seen Aghabala work with around 3000 young participants along the way. At the time of his coaching award, he had registered 65 new players at Under- 12s level in just two years.


So, apart from the joy of discovering and playing Rugby League, what are the key


A GOOD START Pierre’s advice on how to get involved in Rugby League coaching:


• Start slowly – go along, watch a few games first, then offer to help out. Soak up the sport and take it steadily, at your own pace.


• Offer to referee at a training session, or assist at a warm-up session. ‘It’s simple. Baby steps at first. Always remember that good coaching is all about communication.


• When you are comfortable with this, get involved in a training session. Once you’ve done all this, you’ll know if coaching is the way ahead for you. Hopefully you’ll be well on your way!


• Try and foster a competitive but friendly atmosphere that will have players coming back for more.


• Always look at new ways of developing as a coach so you can deliver new ways of learning to the players.


• Don’t discourage players from taking part in other sports – it will make them realise how good your sport is!


ways Aghabala makes sure that the players are coached in the right manner, and how does he go about it?


He is keen to stress to coaches that it’s important never to be complacent in your coaching style: ‘Always look at new ways of developing as a coach so you can deliver new ways of learning to the players.’


Aghabala learned this valuable lesson from two men he refers to as ‘inspirational Rugby League figureheads in London’, Phil Jones, Head of Youth Performance, and Marcus Tobin, RFL Coach Educator and Personal Mentor.


He continues: ‘An important aspect is the atmosphere we create in training. There’s a competitive air, but it is a friendly one. The camaraderie can only be enhancedby a positive atmosphere, and we try hard to achieve this, and foster it, from rookie players upwards.’


His infectious enthusiasm can be engendered among budding coaches too. Aghabala cites the example of Derek Copeland, whose son Laurence is now on the PDC programme and is showingtalent and dedication.


However, when he first looked at the game, Copeland was apprehensive about his son taking up the sport, not sure what it entailed and whether it would be suitable.


But a quick conversion – no pun intended – has happened, and Derek gave Rugby League a try, found out he loved it, and had a gift for passing this enthusiasm on to young players. He is now a Level 2 coach, in charge of a team of Under 14’s and another true convert.


He reiterates that all coaches must show a good example to the young players, and to remember that you are a role model, so it’s important to create a pleasant atmosphere, and a structured but flexible regime.


‘Coaches must realise youngsters pick up a lot from their coach, and if everyone is enjoying the game, then they are going to strive to improve, to keep coming back, and ultimately strengthen the sport.


‘They will follow the coach’s example, and this is an important thing to remember – you have a major influence, you need the right commitment, and you shouldn’t treat this privilege lightly.’


A lovely example of the atmosphere created by a good coach came before the finals of the Junior League Shield.


Aghabala takes up the story: ‘Just before the final started, a member of our Under 11s team, Abel Paintsil, stood up and said: "Every week the coach says well done to us… now after winning the Coach of the Year award I think we should all say well done to him!"’


This mature and well- thought-out show of support from such a young player showed the calibre of people this sport attracts, and the influence and importance of a good coach, as well as almost bringing an unexpected tear to Aghabala’s eye!


‘We have to make coaching sessions interesting. It’s no good if players get bored, we have to inspire, but we have to innovate too, and keep things fresh.


‘That’s what I always aim to do, and it’s worked pretty well so far.’


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