Graham Parkinson says an important part of his coaching role is keeping his young charges enthused.
Camera IconGraham Parkinson says an important part of his coaching role is keeping his young charges enthused. Credit: Supplied/Matt Jelonek        www.communitypix.com.au d441292

Coach passionate about rugby future

Lauren PilatThe Advocate

Parkinson said being nominated was a "head-swelling" experience but did not come without learning from other coaches.

Having started in rugby as an U9 or U10 player, Parkinson said part of his role was to cheer the kids on to ensure they believed in themselves.

"It's about making sure that the littlies are super-enthused to be a part of it, creating drills to keep them focused and performing together as a team," he said.

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"But I just coach " there are a heap of folk that put in heaps of hours to keep the whole ball rolling at our club."

Parkinson said what he enjoyed most about rugby was the ideology of the game and the close-knit community established in WA.

"Another thing that comes across very strongly is the enthusiasm that all the coaches have for doing what they do," he said.

Parkinson said rugby was going from strength to strength, with ground work by all clubs, Rugby WA, junior teams and the Western Force.

"The pathways that have been put in place for kids to grow within their clubs, for talent to be identified and to be nurtured to that next level are fantastic," he said.

"The inception of the NRC, with the Perth Spirit, has added another link between club and super-level, and local club people getting behind these initiates with sponsorships are creating a huge environment that will reap huge rewards in the coming years.

"Look around, you have Australians, New Zealanders, Samoans, Tongans, Fijians, Cook Islanders, South Africans, English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh and people from all other nations playing rugby here. Perth is the epicentre of what is becoming a deepening pool of highly skilled rugby players."

To nominate, visit http://asteronlifesuperrugby.com.