How we built a team from five players to 25 and why they loving coming back to play
Nov 15, 2024
auto_awesome
Graham Bourton, head coach of Milton Keynes Under 15s rugby team, shares his inspiring journey of growing the team from just five players to 25. He discusses innovative coaching methods that prioritize fun and skill development, even overcoming challenges like COVID-19 to keep players motivated. Graham emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive community with parents and creating a playful training environment to balance enjoyment and discipline. His insights on team dynamics and personalization have redefined youth rugby engagement.
Building strong relationships with players and parents fosters a supportive team environment that enhances player development and engagement.
Emphasizing skill development over fitness and incorporating fun, game-like scenarios encourages young players to enjoy and learn the game effectively.
Deep dives
Engaging with Players and Parents
Creating a strong rapport with both players and their parents is essential for fostering a welcoming team environment. Coaches actively make an effort to learn the names of parents and players, which helps them feel appreciated and involved in the process. Regular feedback is provided to parents regarding their child's development, ensuring that they understand the strengths and areas for improvement. By building these relationships, coaches show their commitment to the players' development, leading to greater trust and support from the parents.
Coaching Philosophy and Player Development
The coaching approach emphasizes skill development over fitness, aligning with the notion that young players are primarily interested in enjoying the game. The coach also highlights that most of their learning comes from practical experiences and resources found online, rather than formal courses. Team sessions are designed to keep the atmosphere fun and engaging, minimizing unnecessary seriousness while ensuring skill-focused practices. Players are encouraged to play freely, allowing them to learn how to play rugby through game-like scenarios instead of being overly regimented.
Navigating Team Dynamics and Player Positions
To effectively manage team dynamics, players are rotated between positions to enhance their understanding and versatility on the field. The philosophy encourages them to develop skills across multiple roles, fostering a well-rounded rugby experience. This approach helps mitigate any dissatisfaction from players who may feel pigeonholed in specific positions, as they can see the value in being adaptable. Open communication with the players about the rationale behind these decisions fosters a supportive atmosphere where players can express their feelings about their positions.
Building Community and Team Culture
The social aspect of the rugby club is vital to team cohesion, as shared experiences outside of formal practices contribute to strong relationships among players and their families. Organizing events such as tours and barbecues enhances camaraderie and engagement, making participation more enjoyable for everyone involved. Parents interacting during social events also support their children’s involvement in the team, creating a sense of community. This nurturing environment promotes a long-term commitment to rugby, enriching both player development and the overall team culture.
Dan Cottrell chats with Graham Bourton, head coach of the Milton Keynes Under 15s. Since taking over in 2016, Graham has transformed the team from a mere 5 players to a thriving squad of 25, thanks to his innovative coaching methods and strong community engagement.
In this engaging conversation, Graham shares:
His journey from rugby parent to influential coach.
The methods and training courses that shaped his approach.
Strategies for player development and creating a fun, competitive environment.
How he overcame challenges like COVID-19 to keep players engaged and motivated.
Tips on working with parents and building a strong, supportive rugby community.
Insights on team selection, managing player dynamics, and balancing development and competition.
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly
Also, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activities, advice, tactics and tips to help you become the best rugby coach you can be!
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode