Coaches full of praise for Know Your Players mental wellbeing workshops

Rugby League Cares has received uniformly positive feedback from junior Rugby League coaches following delivery of the first Know Your Players mental fitness workshops.

More than 30 under-12 boys coaches attended the opening sessions earlier this week when they were provided with information and advice on how to approach and tackle mental health problems affecting young players by Rugby League stars Robbie Hunter-Paul and Shaun Lunt, supported by RL Cares Community and Welfare Manager Keith Senior.

Know Your Players has been devised by RL Cares in partnership with Movember and Rugby League World Cup 2021 in response to a rise in the number of young people suffering poor mental health.

Recent research has shown that one in eight children has a diagnosable mental disorder whilst the impact of the lockdown is having a negative impact on the mental wellbeing of vulnerable young people.

To protect the children in our communities, RL Cares is inviting all junior coaches of boys and girls aged between 12 and 18 to attend a one-hour virtual workshop over the next few months. The workshops are part of the Movember Ahead of the Game programme run by RL Cares and RLWC2021.

Rob Jones, a community coach at Gateshead Storm, attended the first online workshop on Monday and is urging every junior coach to book their place when invited to do so.

“The workshop was really helpful and the information shared will be a big help for me,” said Rob.

“As coaches, we have unique relationships with our players and are perfectly placed to know when someone may be struggling or ‘not quite right.’

“It’s not always easy knowing what the signs are so the tips and advice we got from Know Your Players will be invaluable.

“The workshop gave me more understanding of the different areas to watch out for in young children and what we can do to help support them. I have no doubt it will help me become a better coach.”

Keith Senior said: “It’s been a really encouraging start to the Know Your Players campaign and it’s fantastic to see so many coaches signing up to participate in one of the workshops.

“We all want our young players to be healthy and happy and by giving up an hour of their time, the coaches can help make that happen.”

Further workshops for under-12 boys coaches are scheduled for the next few weeks: to book your place please click here