Page 10 - BRFC NEWS SPRING 2018

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BRFC News SPRING 2018
Ladies rugby is back at Brecon RFC and needs your support...
BRECON RFC PLAYER PROFILE
GAZ MARSHALL
In this edition we talk to Gaz Marshall - Head Coach of the recently re-established Ladies team and also to some of the ladies currently playing in the squad to see what is going on and discuss the plans they have to further develop the female game in Brecon.
Occupation
H.M. Forces
Role at Club
U8 Coach and Ladies Touch Rugby Coach
How long has the section been running?
The girls started training in June 2017 and the original plan was to run the sessions until the start of the season, but the girls showed a tremendous enthusiasm and competitiveness, so it made sense to keep training.
Who or what inspired you
to take up the role of Head Coach?
I have played for many Clubs throughout the UK and thought the club was missing a few factors most of the clubs I have represented have had ladies’ teams or at least a lady’s committee. I remember playing for the seconds last year and after the game it was just players in the club I thought it needed spicing up a little. Also, during a Minis and Juniors meeting we was asked how we could bring more revenue to the club and I thought a ladies team would bring a more family feel and more money to the club. Coaching rugby is passion of mine so any chance to get on to the pitches I will jump at it.
What have you been concentrating on since restarting the side?
In the beginning we concentrated on fitness, ball handling, touch rules and making sure the sessions were fun. A few tactics are coming into play now which the girls are picking up well.
How are things going?
Its going very well the girls have had a lot to learn in a short amount of time what we need now is more game time, so they can execute their skills.
How many ladies are regularly training?
We usually have 16+ on a training night. In the Summer we were training with over twenty players but with the change of weather in the winter and no child care numbers have fallen, but we are expecting the numbers to rise again as we approach the summer.
Have you played any friendly or competitive matches yet and how did
the ladies get on?
Our first game was against Gwernyfed which for our initial run out we played well just los- ing 3-1. We also played Cardiff Coyote Ladies Touch and they taught us a lesson, but the day was very worthwhile because the team learnt so much and they also fielded welsh in- ternationals. Their coaches were very happy to advise, and we came away with a greater knowledge of the game. More recently we played Luctonians and Berry Hill in a friendly tournament where we entered two teams. The girls were outstanding and both teams notched a win there is a lot of work to do but with their enthusiasm and drive I know we will getthere.
What do you enjoy most about
coaching the ladies section?
It’s a different dynamic from which I am used to I have coached soldiers and its easier because they will do as they are told so its more of a challenge. Every coach wants the players to be very enthusiastic
and have a will to win and they have it in abundance, so training is always worthwhile.
How would you like to see the ladies game in Brecon RFC develop?
To develop the game, we need to enter a league, so the girls can have that competitive experience to keep them motivated we also need to recruit more players I believe we can field three teams we just need a few more players. Some of the players in the future will have to step up and coach sessions themselves and referee games so they can become self-sufficient. The team is an open
invite to everyone to come down and give it a go even if you don’t want to play in the matches and just train that’s fine the more the merrier.
What do you need to make that happen?
This year we will play in the Midlands South West League from March to November which is a great opportunity to compete and get vital match experience.
The team is already recruiting players, but we need to use social media to its full capacity It would be great to have some younger players we could even form a youth team where they could compete alongside the more senior players.
The girls need more experience before they can coach or referee but if we can play a full season then a few players will be able assist in this area.
Do you need any other support?
Martin Keylock and Johnny Bowen have coached a few sessions and that has helped tremendously. The club is really onside which helps especially when speaking to other teams who receive little if any support. Wayne Williams has been vital with the run- ning and coaching of the team he mainly is responsible for the fitness and conditioning and the girls really appreciate his sessions. Overall, we are in a good place at the mo- ment there is a lot to look forward to we can only grow bigger and stronger.
How would you encourage others of all ages to give Rugby a go?
Personally, I would organize a family touch session at the end of the season when the weather is better. All ages would be welcome from oldies (50+) to youngsters (10yrs) and play in mix gender and age teams. It’s a good way to capture players using fun and fitness to encourage people to play. This could span over several weeks possibly recruiting a few players and giving the club more of a family feel.