OLD HALESONIANS RFC
COLTS 2016/2017
A new challenge presented it self this season after finishing the journey with the U16. I was looking for a new challenge and the club approached me to say would I like to have full control and take over the colts and get who I wanted involved and also help our coaches at Mini and Junior level with support and delivery on Sunday and Wednesday . It was an easy decision for me as the players are very talented but lacked some guidance belief and a culture all I thought I could help with.
With a new restructure of the colts setup and training it has allowed us a player focus development pathway that enabled us to build not only a positive culture but a management and coaching team to support the team and players on this new journey. Things have started out very well and with over 24 lads at training both Tuesday and Thursday it allows us the platform to challenge and push players . All Players are not only experiencing playing for colts but have been challenged with senior rugby to help for fill the clubs goal of a local and sustainable club.
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OLD HALESONIANS RFC
FROM 5 PLAYERS TO NORTH MIDLANDS CUP FINALIST
THE BACKGROUND
In April 2013, Old Halesonians RFC U13 squad saw the arrival of a new Head Coach, Matthew Williams. He came with the clear aim of developing and supporting a squad that was under threat of going under.
This was a challenging task and required time and dedication to enable people to understand the impact a successful U13 squad can have on the Colts and Club development.
Whilst the season started with a squad of only 15 players, through hard graft and unrivalled support, the squad now boasts a brilliant 20 dedicated players.
Matthew Williams had nothing but positive comments to make regarding the season and set ambitious, yet achievable targets for the next.
“The parents and players have worked so hard to recruit players from local schools and it’s a pleasure to work with such a talented, dedicated set of lads. They are a credit to themselves and their parents.It was always going to be a challenge to recruit new players to the club, but I am so glad that all the work has paid off. I look forward to increasing the squad, to 25 players, over the next year, so we can be more competitive for places and cover any injury’s or player unavailability”.
Key successes
In addition to the increase in numbers, the squad has seen great success over the season including making it into the second round of the North Midlands Cup and having 4 players achieving a move up to the U14’s.
The pinnacle of season, however, has to be the recent success the team found during their trip to Bournemouth for the Sports Tours U14 festival in April 2014. With a packed two days of game play, consisting of 8 games and 40 tries, the team came out on top, completely undefeated.
Not only was it a success in terms of performance, but it was also a huge morale boost, cementing great friendships between the players and embracing the values of this fantastic sport.
There’s no better testament to the season than, in the words of the players themselves;
“Thank you to Andy Wright for organising and to Matt for coaching the best few days of my life” Sam Roberts.
“The best tour I’ve been on! I just want to say a huge thanks to all the lads who played and a huge thanks to Andy for the activities and to Matt for all of the motivation throughout all the season. I enjoyed every second of every day. Cheers to the parents for cheering us on!” Ben Yarnell.
“Well done to all the lads who played on the weekend. It was a great couple of days and every minute was enjoyable! Just big thanks to Matt for the coaching all season and getting us this far. Hopefully we can progress even more. Also a massive thanks to Andy for all of the organisation and activities on the tour. Can’t wait for the next one!” Joe Brennan.
It’s the thanks, praise and clear enjoyment of the players that motivates us, as coaches, to ensure that the fun, excitement and values this sport has given to us, can be passed on for years to come.
Here’s to next season and future successes!
TEAM ACHIEVEMENTS
SQUAD OF 24 PLAYERS
15 COUNTY PLAYERS
2 ACADEMY PLAYERS
4 NORTH MIDLANDS
BOURNEMOUTH RUGBY TOURMENT WINNERS
QUARTER FINAL NORTHMIDLANDS
FINAL NORTH MIDLANDS
ARE YOU THE NEXT ENGLAND PLAYER ???
PARENTS COMMENTS
Leanne Smith
“Ben joined Old Hales U14s last September, for his first ever season playing this sport. I couldn't believe how quick he interacted with Matt and after just a few weeks, the team started to grow. I was a little concerned that being young, Ben may have felt a little left out, but this didn't happen as Matt found time for each and every one of them. It was fantastic to see how they all got along, without any problems & to watch them grow as a team has been absolutely amazing.
This is the first time that Ben has had a true passion for anything and I think that without Matt as his coach, he wouldn't be where he is today. Ben isn't the easiest of lads to get on with at times, but with 110% support and guidance from Matt on and off the pitch, it has made a major difference to his life. Ben has every respect for Matt, they all do. It’s just like one big happy family who have improved dramatically already. They all look up to him, not just as a coach but also as a friend. I can’t wait to see what next season brings”.!
Simon Trimmer
“From a September, when the squad was formed, the boys have developed their all round core skills and now play as an established team.
The defence and breakdown is well structured and the player’s communication between one another has vastly improved.
The coaching on the scrum has paid dividends as the player’s body positions are good. This has been reflected in the number of turnovers won. The line out needs some improvement, as this is an area that OH have not dominated.
The discipline of the team has improved, however this is an area that a number of players still need to work on, as all the good progress of this promising squad could be over shadowed by off the ball incidents.
Overall a great first season”.
Simon Elliott
“It has been an excellent season; from progress of the squad, to the success achieved on tour. Jack was part of a 5/6 player squad last season, now he is part of a 20 player squad; all hungry for success. Talking with Jack, earlier, he has learnt a lot from Matt and has received excellent advice. I get the feeling from Jack he doesn't want the season to end.
The divisions between schools has significantly improved. Hopefully this will continue next season. It would be great if U14s parents could support the club more, outside of U14 activities, as I'm sure this would be valued by the club”.
Mark Roberts
“Our son, Sam, played at Stourbridge before he moved to Old Hales. He was deeply unhappy with the coaching there and felt he was not improving as a result.
He asked if he could try Old Hales, as he knew Matt from his time at Stourbridge and he wanted to be coached by him.
During his first year with Old Hales, Sam’s rugby skills have vastly improved and he now feels part of the team. Credit to Matt for organising activities outside of rugby.
Sam is now confident in the sport; playing in the Black Country Squad and Worcester Warriors Academy. If it wasn't for Matt Williams' dedication and the friendliness of the club, our son would have given up rugby”.
Andy Conroy
“This time last year, we could not have imagined that the boys would transform so much in such a short period of time. RG, like many others, was disillusioned and had begun questioning what had happened to the sport he loved.
Your hard work, dedication and belief in each individual player and the team, Matt, as a whole, has been remarkable and more of a blessing to RG than you probably realise.
RG is really looking forward to next season and it is evident how much preparation you have already done for the year ahead.
We just wanted to thank you personally for everything you have done and continue to do for the team”.
Carl Freer
“On joining Old Hales, mid-season, Archie has found the coaching to be inspirational, structured and well managed. Matt’s enthusiasm and passion for the game is infectious and this creates a positive role model for the boys.
Matt looks at each individual's strengths and weaknesses and, in Archie's case, he has helped improve his game, skills and confidence.
Joining Old Hales is the best thing that could have happened for Archie's rugby and he is now looking forward to the start of next season”.