Halfway through UK Coaching Week and our third instalment is from the perspective of England Squad Coach, Sue Manson.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to coach the England Under 16 Squad? Having already represented four festivals so far this season including, Harrogate, Bishop Stortford, Burnley and Hereford, we caught up with Lead Coach, Sue Manson to get the inside scoop and the journey of becoming the Under 16 England Squad Lead Coach.
Having first coached the England Under 12 Squad way back in 2002, Sue qualified as a Rounders England Coach and Umpire Tutor, the then equivalent of a Level 2 Coach. She said;
I have been involved in tutoring, coaching or umpiring at all levels and ages from Under 8 to adult; schools, league and England Squads over the years and enjoyed the challenge of them all.
A typical coaching session includes both individual and team elements, with team building, batting and fielding skills, small sided games, specialist positions, decision making, tactical play, match play and important rules.
My favourite thing about coaching the Under 16 Squad is their passion for Rounders; the friendships formed between players and the support of parents; pride at wearing an England shirt and showcasing the standard of Rounders played at the elite level around the country and abroad.”
This season, Sue is most looking forward to seeing the hard work from training being translated into match play and being a proud coach…in addition to some warmer weather, having held two coaching sessions in the middle of The Beast from the East!
In celebration of Coaching Week, we asked Sue what her first experience of #GreatCoaching was and what advice she would share with aspiring coaches:
I learned a tremendous amount from Mark Linfitt, the Head Coach back in 2002. His knowledge of Rounders was second to none and his coaching style helped players to realise their full potential and be great ambassadors for Rounders.
Aspire to not being the best ever coach but the best coach that you can be by learning from observing other coaches in any sport, sharing good practice and being true to your core values throughout your coaching career and above all enjoy the journey and make it fun!”
Thank you Sue for sharing your #GreatCoaching story! Sue has also recently visited Kenya to distribute Aresson equipment to schools and share her knowledge of the game we all love.
Have you got what it takes to be a part of the England Squad? Due to popular demand, Trial applications are now open!
