Rugby League Mentoring
The Hull Service Area Rugby League Coach Mentoring Scheme was launched in partnership with Sportscoach UK in January 2006 with the aim of teaming mentors with young and enthusiastic coaches to mutual benefit.
Five highly experienced local coaches went through mentor training with Sportscoach UK staff before being teamed up with their mentees.
It proved to be a great learning experience for both parties, with several of the partners still going strong after a year.
Carol Lattimore, head coach of local U12 side Beverley Braves explains why she was keen to get involved:
"The project appealed to me because I had just moved up from coaching a Modified Games team to the full 13 a side version. I realised that not having played the game myself I had a lot to learn and the thought of having a mentor to help me would be of great benefit."
"My mentor actually made me think about my coaching i.e. why I coach, what I enjoy about coaching and how I could improve. He didn't just provide me with a simple answer, but instead helped me think of the solution for myself, as well as suggesting some additional points based on his own experiences."
"I've found having a mentor to be of great benefit in helping me develop my coaching and would encourage anyone who wants to progress in their coaching, at whatever level, to take advantage of having a mentor."
Carol's mentor was Paul Hatton, a National Conference player with West Hull, as well as a highly gifted coach. "The project gave me a chance to pass on some of the knowledge I've gained from working under other top coaches. It's also helped me advance my own coaching by encouraging me to analyse and correct some of my methods. It feels great to know that Carol is passing on her skills to the kids in the game."
Former BARLA international and current Hull KR scholarship coach Dave Roe also took up the challenge of mentoring. "The project appealed to me as a chance to stay involved with the game as well as to pass on some of the experience I've gained over the years. I got everything I wanted from the project and more. I would definitely encourage any coach, no matter how experienced, to get involved. They will all get something out of it."
The project will be re-launched shortly and any coach who wants to be considered should contact Matt Danby on 07799 691578 or matt.danby@hullcc.gov.uk