The U14’s 2008/09 overall has been a successful season. Undefeated in the AGRFU League, runners up in the Dubai Exiles competition, semi-finalists in the ADHRFC tournament and Plate winners in Al Ain.
The main thrust of this season has been to develop as many young players as possible. In so doing the secondary aims were to
- consolidate their positional and tactical play
- introduce players to new positions and techniques, principally the back row and lineout play
- introduce the new ELVs and
- set out some basic attacking and defensive systems which will be used and built upon next year in the U16s.
On the development of players the main aim of this season was to develop as many players as possible in the U14 age group. While the coaching team consisted of 2 forwards coaches, 2 backs coaches and a lead coach, it became apparent clear early on that there is an optimum number for a squad. This year the U14’s topped out at 60, a remarkable achievement when considering that the U12 squad that moved up at the end of last season only numbered 18.
What is more remarkable is that the average turnout for a Tuesday night training session has been 44. However, due to the complete array of skills, ranging from the well practiced to the novices, it has often the case that the novices absorbed a considerable amount of coaching time as to be almost inadvertently disruptive. Furthermore, the size of the training area for such a large squad has been inadequate.
In addition, the standard of basic skills displayed by the majority of the squad at the beginning of the season was disappointing. Tackling, passing and kicking were of a generally poor standard, closely pursued by rucking and mauling. However, all of these skills have improved dramatically throughout the season, although the speed and accuracy of pass in the backs remains a concern as well as a demonstration of commitment and controlled aggression required at the breakdown.
- Coaches Player of the Year – Neils Cobb
- Players Player of the Year – Sean Tierney
- Most Improved Players – Connor Davidson; Daniel Neifer; Ahmed Taleb
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