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Sport is why I am who I am, today.  The opportunity to give back and see people enjoy what I have enjoyed, in sport, is my dream as a coach. I get excited to see people improve as individuals and to see how that affects both the team and the individual.

In life and sport, all anyone needs is an opportunity. Success is bred through trust, respect, a sprinkling of luck, dedication and through someone giving you a chance.

 

Playing Biography

 

As a counter-attacking Fullback, I have the game knowledge and experience to make quick decisions when facing a challenge on the field. I am always keen on getting my hands on the ball and diving into the match.

 I play a fearless game.  I will give anything a go and have been described as a flamboyant and a positive player. I am willing to take risks and I’m always looking at ways to improve my game.

I bring a tactical kicking game to the pitch and offer flexibility in the line-up. Though I primarily play Position 15, I feel confident in all positions in the back line and I’m willing to play wherever I am needed, to further the success of the team.

ABOUT

 

  • Old Halesonians Rugby                                               2014/Current Club

  • Clifton Rugby Club (National Two South)                 2012/2013

  • Stourbridge (National One)                                        2011/2012

  • Stourbridge (National One)                                        2010/2011

  • Sarnia (Canada)                                                            2010

  • Stourbridge (National One)                                        2010 (Half Season)

  • Newbury (National One)                                             2009 (Half Season)

  • Newbury (Championship)                                           2008/2009

  • Cape Fear(USA)                                                             2008

  • Moseley (Championship)                                            2007 (Half Season)

  • Stourbridge (National One)                                        2006/2007

  • GB Students Sevens (Paris, USA)                               2006

  • Irish Exiles Sevens                                                        (Captain 2008/2009)                                                                                                     2006/2009

  • IrelandU21 (U21 World Cup)                                      2005/2006

  • Bristol (Championship) Academy                              2005/2006

  • England Universities                                                    2004/2005

  • EnglandU19                                                                   2003/2004

  • Hartpury College (BUSA Champions)                        2003/2006

  • Gloucester (Premiership) Academy                           2003/2005

  • EnglandU18                                                                   2002/2003

  • Colton’s Colligate (National Champions)                  2001/2003

 The person

 

So why is sport so important and what has it taught me over the last 30 years?

 I am who I am today, due to great parents and great grandparents. My granddad is a very important person in my life and if I am even half the man he is at the age of 91, it will be a huge achievement. His stories about the war and his challenges in life have shaped me and grounded me as a person.

 

We are definitely a sport focused family.  My Dad; Chris Williams played his rugby career with Bristol Rugby Club, where he happens to be a bit of a rugby legend. He recently retired from work where he ran his own successful company, since 1990. He is a man that has worked so hard, on and off the pitch, to provide for me and my Mum.

My mum is a PE teacher at a private school in Bristol. She is also coaches netball; her teams having been promoted three times in as many years.

Sport was the only real option for me. When it came to things like music, in particular, my talent only stretched to some serious skills on the triangle!

Rugby was not my main sport until I got to U16. My dad encouraged me to play as many different sports as possible, believing this was important to my development. This lead to experience in:

 

  • County cricket

  • County tennis

  • Vice captain of the club junior golf team

  • County/national badminton

  • Club football

  • County athletics

  • County/ national swimming

  • Triathlon

  • Biathlon

 

This wide experience resulted in new skills which I adapted to cross over into different sports, improving my overall performance as an athlete.

Playing single pursuit sports taught me to focus on individual training requirements.  Team sports on the other hand, gave me an understanding of how individual actions can affect others; both positively and negatively.

 Sport has made me who I am. I have made life long friends. I have travelled the world and I am still pushing to challenge myself.

 

I hope that all the athletes I work with can experience the amazing world that sport has to offer.

 

I started as a simple Bristol boy that was told over and over that sport would not get me anywhere, but "Sometimes we need a drive or catalyst to keep us focused to reach our goals, proving people wrong since 1990". It has not been a smooth ride, but then life is an adventure and happiness is a journey not a destination.

 

Quotes from Gilbert (Grandad)

 

  • “Learn all the swear words and understand when to use them”

  •  “Treat people how u would want to be treated”

  •  “Manners and cleanliness cost nothing”

  •  “In life, seldom do people remember the good. Be the person that remembers the best in people”

  •  “Do it your way even if that means guarding an anchor as a disciplinary outcome”

© 2023 by Matthew Williams

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