New RFL Performance Structure

The RFL in the North East are pleased to announce that 2010 will see a new Performance Pathway for the region. The pathway, which is being rolled out across the country, works with Children from the ages of 13-16 to give them year round coaching on top of the coaching they receive at their schools and junior clubs. The selection for these squads will be slightly different to the way it has been done in the past and will seek to overcome the 'Relative Age Effect'. The 'Relative Age Effect' in rugby league was discovered by ex Thunder player Kevin Till who during a PHD study concluded that boys who were born between Sept-Nov stood a much greater chance of being in regional and national squads than boys born later in the school year. The selection for the squads for 2010 and beyond seeks to address this. If anyone has any questions on this then feel free to get in touch with myself on 07736 317666 or robin.peers@rfl.uk.com or with our other talent coach Andy Kelly on 07775022793 or andy.kelly@rfl.uk.com

For the new performance pathway we are looking to recruit coaches and managers for the programme. Please see below for detials:

Performance Pathway Recruitment

The new player pathway seeks to recruit the following:

RTC 4 x Head Coaches (u13,u14,u15,u16)
RTC 12 x Assistant Coaches (3 at u13,u14,u15,u16)

(RTC = Regional Talent Centre)

In return for your services we can offer you a package which includes England RL branded coaching kit, access to CPD (Continued Professional Development) opportunities, a footstep onto the performance coaching pathway and the opportunity to work with the most talented rugby league players (u13-16) in the region.

Coaches should be educated to at least UKCC Level 2 (or at least enrolled on this) and will need to undergo an Enhanced CRB Check with the RFL.

In addition to the coaching staff, we are looking to recruit 4 Team Managers (u13,u14,u15,u16) for the RTDG. Team Managers will be responsible for the administration of the squad at training and on matchdays.

Team Managers will also need to undergo an Enhanced CRB check through the RFL.

Orientation Event

In order to get the recruitment process started we have arranged an orientation event where there will be a presentation on the new pathway, an opportunity to ask any questions and coaches will also fill in their application forms and apply for their CRB checks at this event. The event will take place on Wednesday 16th December, 7pm at Gateshead International Stadium. It is anticipated that this event will finish at around 8.30pm. We urge all that want to be on the pathway to be at this event.

If you are planning on attending this event could you please confirm this with myself or Andy Kelly. We will then advise you as to what documents you will need to bring for the coaching application and for the CRB process. We can be contacted using my contact details above. If you can’t make it for any reason but would like to be considered then please let us know this.

Robin Peers
Talent Coach (North East)