A RUGBY legend is running a summer coaching academy in Coventry to help develop the potential of young players and give back to the area that has been his home for the last nine years.
Dai Young, who left his role as Wasps RFC director of rugby in February, is starting the sessions for 12-17-year-olds at the Alan Higgs Centre in Allard Way, on behalf of CV Life.
The three-time British and Irish Lion and winner of 51 Welsh caps is also to become an ambassador for CV Life’s Engage! programme in a mentoring role.
Since launching in 2015, CV Life’s Engage! educational programmes have taught around 6,200 primary school youngsters core life values – teamwork, respect, integrity, enjoyment and discipline – through a combination of classroom-based activities with games of tag rugby.
Dai’s socially-distanced outdoor course for existing club youth players feature rugby drills including core ball handling skills, followed by a question-and-answer session.
The Engage! Ambassadorial role will involve Dai attending school sessions, observing the delivery of the organisation’s sessions, upskilling the Engage! team and mentoring coach and rugby enthusiast Josh James.
Dai, who lives locally, said he wanted to give back to the community which has been his home since re-locating with Wasps in 2014, since when he has taken the club to three successive play-off appearances and three Champions Cup last-eight places.
He said: “The community of Coventry and Warwickshire has always been really welcoming to me and my family and these sessions give me the opportunity to repay that welcome.
“I’m looking forward to help develop the skills of young rugby players who already play for a club and are serious about the game.
“It will give me an opportunity to fine-tune their talents and give them further direction to progress in the world of rugby.
“I am also excited about the ambassadorial role because it is really important in your teenage years to benefit from the advice of people who have been involved in the game.”
Wendy Jackson of CV Life said they were delighted such a well-respected figure was willing to pass on his expertise to rugby-playing youngsters in Coventry and Warwickshire.
“It is testament to the friendly welcome that Dai has always enjoyed in Coventry and Warwickshire that he is holding these sessions as well as becoming an ambassador for CV Life.
“This area is fortunate to have secured the services of such an experienced player and coach, and for him to be putting back into the community during his temporary break from top level sport.
“Dai has vast experience as a player and coach and these clinics will be invaluable to young people as he will be helping to raise the standard of players in this area.
“The advanced coaching courses will be run in accordance to Government advice which is why we’re holding them outside at the Alan Higgs Centre.
“We are expecting places to be snapped up quickly and would encourage young players who are interested to book a place sooner rather than later.”
The courses, which will start on Monday July 13, cost £15 or £12 with a GOCV card. Sessions will start on Wednesdays at 9.30am and Thursdays at 11.15am and there will also be a session for girls only.
Email Wendy Jackson of CV Life at [email protected] to book a place.
