Coaching Clinic and Meet the Stars!

Coaching Clinic and Meet the Stars!

Before last Friday’s local pre-season derby between the Cornish Pirates and Exeter Chiefs, children who attended a well-advertised ‘Coaching Clinic’ thoroughly enjoyed training alongside both adult teams during their warm up!

Over thirty young players from under 9s to 13s took part in various ‘Game Zone’ and ‘Skill Zone’ activities that focused on two hours of free flowing rugby.

As well as the coaching, the children had the chance to quiz Cornish Pirates players Dan Koster and Tom Channon on everything from lifestyle to favourite moment on the rugby pitch!
From there the children headed for the Guard of Honour with the atmosphere building from the sell-out crowd. Three mascots were chosen for displaying the Core Values of Rugby (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship) throughout the clinic.

The early scores from the Pirates added to the excitement with the children leading the chants. The appreciated ‘Biffa’ sponsored bags, given to the children and which included merchandise and food packs, were utilised in the support!
Come half-time, an opportunity was given for the children to run out on the Mennaye Field and in front of the sell-out crowd showcase their skills gleaned from the earlier clinic, which they enthusiastically took ‘with both hands’.

Finally, the evening was topped off post-match with exclusive access to the Pirates and Chiefs players who to their credit were happy not only to talk but to also sign autographs.
Sam Teasdale, Cornish Pirates’ Community Engagement Manager, commented:

This is what rugby is about, a great atmosphere, a better game and an experience that the children will remember forever!

A big thank-you also to Biffa and Hemingway’s for making the unique experience possible.

In conclusion it’s safe to say that the children are looking forward to the Pirates season ahead and to future match day coaching clinics!

For information about Cornish Pirates’ Community Multi-Sport involvement in general, please contact Sam Teasdale, e-mail: [email protected]