Supporting the introduction of player mentoring scheme for Junior Boys and Girls at Aston
For the ongoing success of Aston Old Edwardians Senior Rugby teams, we recognise the successful transition from youth to senior rugby is critical and appreciate at the end of each season there is a natural turnover of senior players due to retirement or members moving away. Aston Old Edwardians is keen to support those players who want to transition to senior rugby.

Over the last few months at AOE a project group with representatives from the 1st XV Men, 1st XV Women, Coaches and representatives of the rugby committee have met to develop a mentoring scheme. At AOE we understand that recruiting new players is often difficult, particularly those of good ability, and it makes a lot of sense to concentrate our efforts on the young players who already wear the red, white and green hoops of AOERFC and to encourage them to play on in the senior teams.

Each Colt/Junior Girls who will transition to senior rugby will be provided with a mentor, a player from one of the senior teams. The mentor will be provided with a short mentoring course and their role will be to support the ongoing development of that player during their transitioning stage.

In addition to show our commitment to providing our young players with the support they need to transition Aston Old Edwardians RFC would like to introduce the role of a Transition Officer. This person will be responsible for the ongoing smooth transition of youth players to senior rugby. They will work closely with the coaches to identify mentors. During the initial stages of their role they will be fully supported by the schemes’ Project Lead and members of the group. No formal qualifications are required.

If you feel that you would like to know more about the role, take a look at the Job Role, contact the Project Lead Sue Higgins or speak to your Men’s/Women’s 1XV team captains/vice – captains or coaches.

Transition Officer Role

Take a lead on aiding the transition of players from one aspect of the game to their next. This can include helping transition youth players into senior rugby, youth players into University rugby, new players joining the club and senior players into roles beyond playing.

Time Commitment:

> 4 hours per week during season
> Time focus on work at end of season and start of new season.

Key Responsibilities:

> Create and implement initiatives to help retain young players
> Meet with every transitioning player
> Establish players plans and contacts
> Identify individuals needs
> Signpost opportunities to them
> Coordinate delivery of an individually tailored programme
> Using a variety of coaches, other players, conditioning exercises, skill practises...
> Organise guest coaches to visit from other teams
> Plan for session (or part session) to be combined between teams
> Highlight role models and mentors for young players
> Arrange reunion activities for groups
> Demonstrate and promote behaviours to create a positive environment

Skills & Experience:

> Understanding of structures within youth and senior rugby.
> Strong communicator with both youth and senior players.
> Understanding of coaching qualifications and development opportunities.
> Organisational skills with a view to tracking players.

This is not an exhaustive list of tasks.