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1st XV Pre-Season Rugby Training - 1-5 September 2010

We want to make sport at Kingham Hill the best it can possibly be! 

Kingham has long enjoyed a history of participation in local rugby matches, and over the years we have had years of plenty and years of nil as far as good results go.  As a coaching team we want to shift the balance back to a time of plenty, and to give our boys the opportunity to compete on a level playing field with teams from schools that are much bigger, and have enjoyed plenty of success.  To do this the fixture list has been completely refreshed, and we shall be facing some excellent schools in the Michaelmas term of 2010 that we have not played before such as Bromsgrove, Stowe, and Bloxham, along with some old familiar faces such as Sibford, Rendcomb and Cokethorpe.  The fixtures have been matched as well as possible so that we face school teams from the big schools of a comparable nature, and so that the boys know the nature of the beast they will be taking on.

We want to take things one stage further.

This year, for the first time, we want to have our senior boys returning to school early for Pre-Season Training.  This promises to be an excellent time where the team can spend five days in a constructive environment, developing skills through three training sessions per day, hearing lectures about nutrition, hydration, stretching and mental preparation, and most importantly, learning how to get the best out of each other.  We will bring in guest coaches, put on a couple of social events, and stretch the boys both physically and mentally.  Having completed the pre-season training our boys will be ready to hit the season hard, confident that they have the skills, understanding and knowledge to get the most out of their bodies and out of the season.

Rugby at Kingham Hill has taken a leap forward due to the efforts of many in the last year, however in the eyes of many, the standing of the senior squad remains the benchmark by which the school’s rugby and sporting programmes are judged. Consequently being part of the senior squad brings with it responsibilities and challenges. It is our hope that all senior players will grasp the challenges that the new season presents in a very positive way.

Next seasons core squad will be predominantly made up of players new to the First XV experience and therefore if the senior team is to be as successful as possible a number of issues need to be stated:

·         A committed attitude to school rugby and its demands/expectations remains non-negotiable.

·         Individuals in the squad will be expected to return to School possessing high levels of fitness, which will need to be sustained throughout the year.

·         All players must be committed to training regularly and possess an open mind to development and new ideas.

·         Senior squads need to create a strong team identity, and an atmosphere of respect for all squad players.

·         An understanding that it is your game, consequently you will need to buy into the squad philosophy and playing style. We do not prescribe tightly how teams play – however we do have principles of play that need to be learned; they centre around making effective decisions on the field of play.

The Schedule
Wednesday September 1st 2010 – Friday 3rd September
Players should arrive in time for the team briefing and first training session, beginning at 0900hrs.  Boys will be hosted in Norwich House for the duration of Pre-Season training.  All bedding and meals will be provided. International pupils or those with long journeys can be make arrangements with Mr. Neill Stannard to be accommodated in Norwich House from 2000hrs on Tuesday 30th August.  If there are any issues relating to arrival do please get in touch: we will be as accommodating as possible!

 

Saturday 4th September
We have built in a rest-day on Saturday 4th September; a “family day” where boys are welcome to travel home if it is local, or to join in life with Mr. Owen on a local outing followed by a visit to Chipping Norton Rugby Club to watch the local team play.  All boys are encouraged to make the most of the rest day which starts on Friday night at 1700hrs.  If boys stay for the Saturday then they should bring all of their school things with them when they arrive on the Wednesday.  Boys will move into their boarding houses, under the guidance of their housemasters on Sunday evening, and join in with their respective house programme.

 

Sunday 5th September
Training resumes on Sunday morning with a team briefing at 0900hrs followed by a full day of practice.  Pupils will return to their boarding houses in the evening to join with their housemasters and prepare for the start of term.  Training will continue throughout the first week of school in the afternoons, and we will have a training match against Chipping Norton School on Thursday 9th September.

 

Cost
We are extremely fortunate that accommodation can be provided at no extra cost, however we do ask that all pupils make a contribution of £40 to cover the cost of food, travel and to help subsidise the expertise of visiting coaches.  Money can be paid by cheque payable to Kingham Hill School or cash on the day, and should be brought to the first team meeting on September 1st. 

 

Enquiries
Should you have any further questions about Pre-Season Training, please feel free to contact either myself or Mr. Stannard, preferably by email:

Mr. Roger Owen                  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it                    

Mr. Neill Stannard               This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it          


 

 
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