RUGBY COACH WANTED for ST. VINCENT and the GRENADINES – IMMEDIATE START!!!
Background
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a small island nation in the Eastern Caribbean with a population of approximately 120,000. There is a high level of athleticism and raw talent and sports play an important role in Vincentian society and culture, with the most prominent sports being athletics, cricket, football and netball. With recent grassroots programmes, tennis and swimming have also gained popularity among the youth. With the prevalence of unemployment amongst ages 18-24 (approximately 40%), the government is keen to support any new initiative involving sports, which can give youth an alternative future.
Rugby was introduced in 1998 and full IRB membership was attained in 2003. After an initial bout of success and achievements, there has been a steady decline in interest. However, a new highly motivated Executive Committee was recruited in early 2013 and the club is now undergoing a revival, with support from the IRB; namely the “Get Into Rugby” programme.
An IRB cohort recently visited the island to start the Get Into Rugby programme with grade 3 and 4 students and was met with a very enthusiastic response. A key role of anyone taking this position will be to make sure that the programme remains sustainable.
Many of the founding players remain active in rugby. However, as the team ages, it is imperative to recruit new members, particularly youth. The senior team focuses on 15 a side, while the youth will focus mainly on 7 a side, as it is more feasible having smaller teams with limited resources. 7 a side can easily be adapted to 15 a side as recruitment and resources expand. Although, only if a structured development programme can be put in place and followed will the sport fulfil its potential in the Caribbean.
Objective
The main objective will be to work alongside the Executive Committee to support the development of rugby in St. Vincent. Specifically, this will include continuing the Grassroots Youth Rugby Programme with the emphasis being on the Get Into Rugby programme. The Get Into Rugby programme will require prospective Coaches to work well with children, as the programme will involve teaching rugby basics in primary schools, alongside PE teachers and Sports Department Officers. Coaches will also be expected to coach the Men’s National Team (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and Women’s National Team (Wednesday’s).
Qualifications and Experience
Prospective Coaches must have a Level 2 coaching certificate and a minimum of 2 years coaching experience, especially with young children. Prospective Coaches must have a mature personality and an ability to operate in a very different cultural setting with peoples of all educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Contract
The contract will be for an initial 6-month period. The position is for immediate start.
Reporting
The successful candidate will report to the SVG RUFC Executive Committee.
Further Information
The website and Facebook page for SVG Rugby are as follows:
www.svgnationalrugbyunion.weebly.com
www.facebook.com/SvgNationalRugbyUnionTeam
Interested Candidates can contact the SVG RUFC Executive Committee directly in St. Vincent and a Skype interview can be arranged for interested persons.
Name, Position Contact Information
Sophie Goddard, President svgrufc@gmail.com +1784 528-9855
Valarie Pelletier, Youth Programme Coordinator svgrufc@gmail.com +1784 533-2371
