SENIOR WOMENS NLD PROGRAM MEETING

MANSFIELD RFC 21ST OCTOBER 2015

Neil SpeechleyNLD

Neil ClackNLD

Tracy EdmundsonNLD

Simon BoydRFU

Jo DawsonAshfield Ladies

Leonie CruxAshfield Ladies

Karen DeniryAmber Valley Ladies

Gareth PilkingtonAmber Valley Ladies

Bethan ArthurWest Bridgford

Laura GravesWest Bridgford

Jonno ArkleWest Bridgford

Rob LinthwaiteWest Bridgford

Kiara VincentWest Bridgford

Dan EdsonNLD Ladies

DE- Program outline was February/March trial and April training sessions, with two CB games againstWarwickshire and East Midlands of which neither happened. Warwickshire prove impossible to make contact with despite repeated attempts, East Midlands game was rearranged because of student player unavailability due to Varsity games and was re arranged to a mid week fixture which was not honoured due to lack of availability of players.

Contact directly with clubs saw no positive response to venues so Mellish was used for all parts of the program that did happen.

Feedback Issues from Clubs

JA-There is no inclusion of planned trials and training dates at the start of the season to allow players to plan their season alongside club fixtures issued by RFU, which are released at the start of the season. SB is this an issue RFU can assist.

With regards to coaching - having the right coaching levels in place to challenge some of the stronger players to ensure they are kept engaged. NC pointed out that we need to focus on full squad but could possibly bring in guest coaches as well (JA did offer).

Nottingham University girls have a perception that they are unsuccessfully based not on ability but on fact that they are not at NTU and there were several issues around selection

DE- Players are selected without bias and are only based on trial day which may result if players are not performing to their best they may not be selected.

BA-Following the trials there was a long delay (2-3 weeks) before notice of success was passed to players and due to this players were assuming non selection and making other arrangements.

NC-The W&G committee were aware of issues and the squad operated without a Manager which resulted in added pressure on Dan. Manager role was advertised on Dan’s appointment but had no applicants. As a committee we accept we took our eyes off the senior program but are fully engaged to resolve the issues. We also ask that if problems arise then players and clubs bring them to the attention the committee so we are able to resolve them quickly.

SCUNTHORPE-via email were concerned that existing squad calls and moves were used at trials which were felt to favour girls who already had represented NLD giving them an unfair advantage. They also raised issue of impartiality of coaching staff and openness of the program.

NC-The coaches are not from a single club which should avoid club/university bias and the program was fully open as far as we are aware. The venue issue for trials and training was also brought up and it was stated that they should be arranged through NLD office to assure that the program is supported right across the CB.

Venue was discussed with those present as to whether it would be preferred that the program be held at a single base or moved around the CB. The general feeling was that it be moved to different locations but there needs to be plenty of notice, so everyone can make suitable arrangements to be able to attend and that means all players will travel at some point. This would also help the recognition of the women’s side and hopefully encourage greater participation. The training day was also discussed and the best day still remains Thursday, as Wednesday would affect university involvement. It would also have minimum interference to club program.

MOVING ON

Several people brought up extending the NLD program to have some pitch up sessions pre Trial to encourage ladies to become involved and also build up links with U18 girls who will be the feed for future numbers.

Bethan Arthur has agreed to take on the role of Squad Manager and will be responsible to disseminate information and co-ordinate, leaving the coaching staff free to coach.

We need to get the buy in from all senior ladies clubs that the program is totally inclusive and no club or university have priority on selection and that it is purely on ability on the day.

We plan to have a meeting with the coaching team to discuss the feedback and to take a positive move on into the CB program.

Start a development squad alongside playing squad to keep engagement of more women (possibly this season but a definite for next season as piloted this season with U15 girls.

PROGRAM EXTENSION

NC & NS will be extending the planned program by having a couple of PITCH UP AND TRAIN SESSIONS, the first being 11th DECEMBER (venue TBC asap) and a second one in JANUARY which will also invite U18 girls and these will be a social event as well.

April 2016 a festival PITCH UP AND PLAY with U18s –format to be discussed

INPUT NEEDED

14th DECEMBER W&G MEETING WILL BE FOCUSSED ON SENIOR LADIES CLUBS SO WE NEED YOU ALL TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES.