Insight into rugby coach’s success

COACHES from in and around Royston are being given the chance to develop their skills at a pioneering conference on Sunday.

The inaugural Hertfordshire Coaching ­Conference is aimed at sports coaches of all levels in the county, and will consist of keynote speakers, practical and ­theoretical sessions, and a question and answer time.

One of the world's greatest coaches will be ­present - Eddie Jones, the man credited for the success of the South Africa rugby team's ­triumphant 2007 World Cup.

Jones, who is currently involved working with Saracens, will deliver the keynote address and share his experiences, giving the audience an insight into what makes one of the world's great coaches tick.

Also in attendance will be former Olympic coach, prize-winning novelist, and technical director of the Oscar winning film, Chariots of Fire, Tom McNab.

Organiser Dale Welch of the Herts Sports Partnership, said: "We are delighted to have attracted such high quality individuals from the world of coaching; to take part in what we hope will become an eagerly anticipated inclusion on the regional sporting calendar.

"Each and everyday across Hertfordshire, thousands of coaches give up their time for the benefit of others, in delivering a diverse and exciting programme of sporting opportunities.

"The vast majority of these coaches are volunteers, and the Herts Coaching Conference is our way of recognising the tremendous efforts of these individuals, and in doing so, to give them opportunities to further develop their skills and expertise as sports coaches."

# The conference will be held at the Hertfordshire Sports Village on the de Havilland Campus, Hatfield. Entrance to the conference will be £10, which gives free annual membership of the Herts Coaches Association to be launched at the Conference.

For more information visit the website www.sportinherts.org.uk or phone 01707 281009.