Regional Development Officers

Andrew Highton
Nottinghamshire

Gareth Thomas
Lincolnshire

Matt Jefferson
Derbyshire

NLD Senior Squad

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE LINCOLNSHIRE AND DERBYSHIRE SENIOR XV

2012-2013 Mission Statement:

To enhance the quality of life and opportunities for all Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and Derbyshire (NLD) players through sport”

The objectives of the Constituent Body Senior programme for 2012-2013 season are:

• To support the continued development of the players eligible to represent the constituent body;

• To develop skills, infrastructure and social perceptions in promoting sports as tools to improve health, education, Constituent Body and personal pride, and professionalism;

• To provide access to appropriate facilities.

• Encourage all players to aspire to represent the NLD constituent body at the senior level.

• Provide a documented and structured programme for the forthcoming season that will allow review, to plan for the following season and beyond.

Welcome to the NLD Senior programme for 2012-2013 whilst the season within the programme may be very limited. The opportunity to represent England at international is a realistic achievement should you apply yourself.

The Mission Statement provides a focus for all those involved and will provide us all with a common goal, as part of the programme there is an expectation that you will be professional at all times both on and off the field of play.

Selection:

The initial access to the programme has been through a process of nomination whereby all clubs within NLD were contacted and asked to nominate players who were to represent NLD this year, the requirement being:

• Selection will be based on the player’s technical, tactical, physical and mental ability to effectively participate at this level.
• Commitment to training - attending sessions, approach and contribution will also have a bearing on selection.

While the initial selection for the programme was from the clubs, the selection for the match day squad will be made by the management team with the final decision being made by the head coach.

There are no friendly fixtures scheduled so selection will be made as part of the training sessions, should there be a shortfall in certain positions the management team will look to identify this and find the appropriate player/s if possible.

As a final resort players will be asked to play out of their preferred position but only after having the opportunity to demonstrate their ability in that position. Playing positions may be discussed with players as to where the coaches could see their potential in other areas but the decision will always remain with the player.

As part of the programme selection will not be discussed with any person other than you. Should you not be selected for the match day squad you will be given reasons why and discuss goals/objectives that would increase your opportunity to be considered for selection.

Players selected for the first occasion to represent NLD will be presented with their County tie at the first opportunity within the programme.

Management Team:

To be part of the management team for the NLD Senior  programme all the team have applied for the post and been interviewed to assess their suitability, whilst there is already a wealth knowledge within the team, we are all keen to expand this further and view working with you players as a great opportunity to achieve this:

Rather than wax lyrically about each member I will identify the person title and the role:

John Widdowson – Head Coach – To develop a programme and lead the delivery of all elements of the programme over the required time span.

Stephen Fowkes – Team Manager – Ensure all logistical requirements are catered for working with the head coach to ensure this occurs; all players will liaise with the team manager regarding availability!

Rhauri Pike – Forwards Coach – Responsible for all elements of specialised forward play and to deliver the required elements of the programme in conjunction with the Head Coach.

Henry Diamond – Backs Coach – Responsible for all elements of specialised backs play and to deliver the required elements of the programme in conjunction with the Head Coach.

Contact information will be provided for all players at the first two training sessions and it is the responsibility of the player to keep the management team informed as to their availability for training, games and any injuries that may occur.

Training:

All sessions will take place at a Mansfield RFC. The opportunity for team related sessions to operate against a controlled defensive structure and also provide the opportunity for players to operate in a game related environment will be determined by the number of players attending sessions.

The maximum length of a session will be 2 hours – the level of contact will vary but full contact for phases of the training session may be part of this so players need to ensure that they bring any appropriate support/strapping that they require.

Should numbers drop significantly that the coaching/management team feel that the current programme needs to be amended this will be done at the earliest opportunity.

Training Ground Address:

To be confirmed

The information in the table below is to provide a guide line and may be subject to change based on players availability to attend training for some the trip to the training venue is some distance and I appreciate this, but in receiving the information at this point it will provide opportunity to confirm your availability within the first 3(Three) training sessions.

Training Schedule 2012-2013

Ahead of the 2012-13 NLD Senior County Championship Programme Head Coach John Widdowson has sent the following letter to Club Honorary Secretaries and Presidents inviting player nominations and outlining the programme.

NLD U20 & Senior Club Letter September 2012.pdf

Any queries regarding the NLD Senior XV Programme should be directed to John Widdowson (john.widdowson@hotmail.co.uk).

27 April 2013 NLD v Leicestershire 
04 May 2013 Cumbria v NLD
11 May 2013 NLD v Staffordshire (Cancelled Staffs Withdrawn)

Coaching Conference Presentation - John Widdowson

At the NLD Coaching Conference on 24 June 2012 John Widdowson, NLD Senior XV and U20 Head Coach, gave a presentation to delegates on the importance of core skills.  Please see his power point presentation below.  

NLD Conference 24_06_12 JW2.pdf