Clubs are judged by the achievements of their first team, but success at that level requires a firm foundation.
Barry RFC is in the process of building that foundation - a pathway which, it is intended, will mean a brighter future for the club.
Mike Morgan, first team head coach and director of rugby, has already introduced the Pathway programme to the teams from age group 12 and above, and this season, it will be rolled out to age groups seven to 11.
The aim is continuity in the Barry way of playing.
At all age levels, coaches are using the same terminology as they concentrate on the core fundamental skills – catch, pass, tackle, attack – and the same basic calls, so when players move up an age level, it won’t be uncharted territory.
Morgan, who took over as head coach last season, said: “My initial assessment was there are fantastic players, coaches and youth teams, but the club was probably a little bit guilty of there not being a connection between the teams.”
To rectify that he asked all coaches to connect with the next age group above, and the midweek training schedule has been arranged accordingly so that teams can train together, and occasionally, players play up a year to taste what it’s like at a higher level.
“If a team is hit by injuries players can step up. The calls are the same, the key points are the same, the basic moves are the same, so it’s not alien. And at some point, those two age groups will be the youth, and will all know each other,” Morgan added.
“We really want to take players from the creche all the way through to the first team. The Pathway will provide continuity for each player, and an opportunity to build a network of friends.”
As the club ran without a youth team for a number of years, Morgan acknowledges that the rebuilding process, creating the continuous conveyor belt of talent, will probably take another couple of years.
“Everyone in the club understands the goal,” said Morgan. “We have to manage our expectations and frustrations, but never lose sight of that goal. We are a club on a journey. If we get this journey right we will have consistency in the way we play, and strength in depth."
“There is so much on offer for a player – not just to play rugby, but to enjoy the social scene, a broader network of friends. It’s an investment – time, commitment, dedication. Rugby is a sport for everyone; you learn the values, real core life values. We are developing youngsters, not just rugby players.”
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