Coaches across the region are being encouraged to sign-up to the Ospreys 2012/13 Coach Development Programme early, allowing them to take advantage of funding opportunities available via their clubs to assist with their personal development.
The team has an ongoing commitment to developing the community game, hence a concerted effort to launch their new programme earlier than ever before to ensure community clubs have the time available to take advantage of Sport Council for Wales funding, with application bids for up to £1,500 welcomed.
The application process itself can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks to be granted approval from local councils so it is crucial that clubs have sufficient detail to long term plan, so funding can be secured to provide their coaches with "barrier free" applications to education programmes.
Dan Owens, WRU Coach Development Officer, Ospreys Region commented:
“At the Ospreys, we have a clear philosophy on what it is we want to achieve, part of that being development from within. The local community clubs play an invaluable role in that philosophy being achieved. By affording clubs sufficient notice periods, we are assisting them in developing their own philosophies for how they wish to develop their coaches and as a consequence their players.
"Keeping up with the evolving game is critical in Coach Development. Coaches want to be on the forefront of the developing game, ensuring their players have the best possible advantage to reach their potential. Coach Education is the start of that process, ensuring practices are same and enjoyable for all parties.
“Places for courses recently have been very competitive with spots filling up quicker than ever because clubs are becoming more and more proactive. Often opportunities are missed because a deadline is overlooked or missed.
Hopefully clubs will now have enough notice to be able to secure funding and book places via the online system."
For more information relating to Coach Education in Wales and to register and book courses in the Ospreys region, visit www.wrucoaching.co.uk