Shane Williams coaches the Minis
Shane Williams coaches Minis at Amersham & Chiltern
Shane Williams the Lions, Wales and Ospreys star, and IRB International Player of the Year in 2008, visited Amersham & Chiltern RFC on Sunday 27th September to coach all the Mini age group’s and then play a game of tag rugby with the children of each age group against coaches and parents. Shane’s visit was kindly donated and organised by a local resident for which the Club is most grateful.
Amersham & Chiltern was buzzing on Sunday on a sunny autumn morning in expectation of the Lions star, who has played at both scrum half and wing, providing coaching tips and demonstrating his lightening speed, and renowned side-step to children from the age of 5 to 11.
On arrival Shane was met by Chris Smith, Club President, and Stephen Lawrence, Chairman of Youth Rugby, who explained that about 400 children turn out each Sunday at Weedon Lane. Shane was staggered at the numbers attending and the level of enthusiasm emanating from over 70 qualified coaches across all of the age groups.
Stephen and Chris then escorted Shane to each age group. On the way to the first age group, the Under 6s/7s, Shane was mobbed by a number of Welsh members and their respective children seeking to meet their hero. Shane was totally unfazed and gave each of them time as well as autographs.
When Shane arrived with the Under 6s and Under7s, he saw them learn ball handling skills. He then progressed to the Under 8s where evasion skills were being taught. At the Under 9s, he saw everyone learning to tackle as this is the first age group where contact rugby is allowed. At Under 10s he saw them demonstrate their set piece play skills. At Under 11 he saw the children practicing some rucking and ball retention skills while at the Under 12s he answered questions from a group of boys as well as giving them advice based on his experience. His three key pieces of advice were enjoy your rugby and have fun, listen to your coaches, and turn up for training!!
Having given some coaching tips it was now time to put them into practice. Shane donned his boots, moved to the first team pitch where a team of 60 children all aged Under 7 awaited his leadership for a game of tag rugby against parents and coaches. The children were enthralled to be both playing on the first team pitch and also to be on the same side as the Lions star. The parents struggled against “Shane’s army” but much fun was had by everyone. A similar format followed at each age group so that after about an hour Shane had played with every age group and against every coach, during which he showed his acceleration, the renowned side step, and his ability to find open space through the coaches’ defence.
Shane then kindly stayed after the game to enjoy the hospitality of the Club and a BBQ in the beautiful weather, meet the members and to sign autographs on children’s shirts and other pieces of apparel.
Stephen Lawrence said that “We are very lucky to have a Lions star at the Club and for him to travel from Swansea and then spend so much of his time with the children was very generous and I know was much appreciated. I also know that everyone enjoyed playing with or against him in the tag sessions and that a number of children face the dilemma of whether to allow mum to wash their shirt now Shane has signed it!!”
