The Sheffield Eagles Community and Performance Squads are looking at developing more than just players as shown with the recent launch of the Community Coach Skills Matrix and Coaching Workshop programme.

There is also some work being done with local school teachers from Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster and Derbyshire to give them the tools to improve the provision for rugby league without a constant presence from the Sheffield Eagles Development officers and community coaches.

Eagles Community Manger, Adam Hughes said, “Schools form a fundamental part of our player development pathway, without enthusing children within schools and providing a pathway into local clubs rugby league would be substantially affected.”

“We believe that working with school teachers from both primary and secondary schools we are imparting knowledge, sharing our experiences and allowing teachers to have an input into how we coach within the schools.”

“With teachers engaging with us and the programme schools rugby within South Yorkshire can only get stronger and help the Sheffield Eagles reach their goal of having more local players who have the opportunity to progress in the game.”

After an initial meeting with Secondary school teachers on Wednesday 30^th January, the Eagles will be looking to extend a development programme specifically tailored to the needs of teachers within our area.

More regular playing and competitions were also discussed so that the school children have more opportunities to put the skills they have learnt into practice.

Jonny Woodcock, Head of PE at Brinsworth Comprehensive, said, “It was a very well organised meeting by the (Sheffield) Eagles who are trying to raise the profile of rugby league around South Yorkshire and Derbyshire at school level.”

“They provide the schools and teachers with an opportunity to see how real coaches lead and assist sessions in order to make their lessons as productive and rewarding as possible, looking at competitions gives the children more regular opportunities to showcase their skills and enjoy the game.”

Along with the Arches School Sport Partnership the Sheffield Eagles Community Department delivered a primary school teachers development session around TAG rugby.

Adam Fuller, Sport Development Manager at the Arches says, “The feedback we have received from all teachers and volunteer coaches is that the training has allowed an excellent introduction to the game and will feed back in to schools and allow more children to experience rugby league.”

“The partnership between ourselves and the Sheffield Eagles is one that we wish to strengthen even further in the development of Rugby League within our schools and also across Sheffield as a whole.”

If you are a teacher or school who would like to find out more about the programme or book onto any workshops please do not hesitate to contact Adam Hughes via email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0114 324 0688.