Coaches: Grant McKelvey (Scottish Rugby Union), Ben Fisher (Scottish Rugby Union), Jamie Baron (Barrow), Abby Wills (Penguins)
Cobra Coaching Clinic - SMK T.A.J & SMK Tmn Kosas - 100 boys
The first sessions of the trip did not disappoint the new coaching staff of Ben Fisher, Jamie Baron. Both experienced coaches were on their first Penguin trip and very eager to get involved. The boys were selected from local schools, and as usual, there was a wide range of experience, with approx 20 boys trying rugby for the first time. The session involved dividing the boys into two groups with coaches working with a whole-part-whole approach with coaching through games.
Cobra Coaching Clinic – Gomak Setia - 60 boys (U14 & U16)
The session followed the following plan.
This was potentially a very difficult session to deliver, with different schools attending and a vast range of ability and rugby experience. Aligned with the very laid back style of coaches it made it difficult to generate momentum during the session. Luckily, the coaching staff was at full strength with Abby Wills joining the Penguin coaching team “on the tools”. Ben began the warm up with some fun physical challenges. The session then moved onto some accurate passing and hand catching from which we quickly moved into coaching through games. Ben and Abby looked at a whole part whole approach and broke the game down to 3v2’s & 4v3’s. The session finished off very well with local TV interviewing Abby & Grant on the benefits of rugby in general and girls rugby in particular.
Cobra Coaching Clinic – Victoria Institute- 50 boys (U14 & U16)
The session followed the following plan.
Upon arrival it was evident that we were at a very organised rugby school. The players responded excellently to all aspects of the session in which we looked at the speed of attack organisation to allow us to move the ball away from the contact area quickly. We were asked by the coaches to look at a couple of starter play variations from line out and individual scrum technique. Many of the boys we met again at the Cobra 10s where we were able to give them an opportunity, through video clip analysis, to see their starter plays in action.
We face the Victoria Institute Haka
Cobra Coaching Clinic – Koma Dmansara - 50 boys (U14 & U16)
The session followed the following plan.
This was our 2nd visit to Dmansara after a very enjoyable visit last year. It proved to be an excellent way to round off Academy coaching sessions.
The players again delivered an excellent disciplined, structured session with clear aims. We were able to go into detail regarding different defensive strategies with this group, as well as seeing welcome progressions through our games. Again the players were athletic and strong, and played with a high intensity. Congratulations to all the coaches involved locally.
Another hugely successful visit both on and off the field. With a large spread of ability and rugby experience to cater for, the HSBC Penguin Academy again delivered a very high level program to all participating schools / players. Thanks must go to all involved in making this annual trip a very memorable occasion for the coaches. Special mention must go to local coach / teacher, Zarin Akmal, who again went way beyond the call of duty in acting as driver, cultural attaché and official photographer for the trip for the 3rd time.
Penguin International Rugby Charity
The Penguin International Rugby Football Trust is
registered with the UK Charity Commission under Charity No 1081047.
