LAYFAYETTE, Colo. - This past June, USA Rugby's Training and Education Department announced the creation of a new Coach Shadow Program. The program offers up-and-coming coaches from all levels different opportunities to develop and learn on a larger stage, including a chance to shadow the Men and Women's National Team Coaches.
The creation of the program is part of a broader USA Rugby initiative to not only increase opportunities for coaches, but also an effort by USA Rugby and the High Performance Program to give more back the community. Opportunities to engage Eagles coaches will be more available and the process to advance more transparent.
Alexander Magleby, Director of Performance at USA Rugby stated, "The Coach Shadow Program is a huge step in the right direction for what USA Rugby is trying to achieve, and this tool will help us identify up and coming talent. It will also allow the flow of information and technique to reach all levels of Rugby in the US.'
The program is made up of four levels, starting with a general observation stage at age-grade levels, progressing to senior sides, and eventual direct involvement with national team coaching staffs. USA Rugby's 2016 Female Coach of the Year Award winner, Rosalind Chou piloted the program with the chance to shadow the Women's Eagles Coaching Staff during last summer's Women's Rugby Super Series. Not only did her experience help her lead Life University to win the 2016 USAR College 7's Women's Division I National Championship, but also since her participation in the program, she has welcomed multiple coaches from different collegiate and international programs to shadow her.
The program is the first of its kind, and with multiple opportunities throughout the country including a chance for top performers at the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, California. By offering more development experiences, coaches have more pathways than ever to further their rugby education.
Those interested should apply here.
For more information please contact Kenny Forehand, Director of Training and Education at KForehand@USARugby.com.
