Partner Article

Army officer teams up with rugby coach

Army officer teams up with top rugby coach to launch AFYA Sports Training

A former Army officer has teamed up with a top rugby coach to launch a specialist sports training company.

AFYA has been set up by Ben Wood, a former captain with the King’s Regiment, and James Wade, who has coached the likes of Sale Sharks, Wasps and Oxford University.

AFYA aims to give children and young adults the opportunity to express and develop themselves in sport both as individuals and in teams. While rugby is the main focus, AFYA also provides sports training in netball, athletics and tennis.

The Wirral-based company is running the first of its “Coach the Coaches” courses next week at two North West rugby clubs with international coach and rugby league legend Shaun Edwards.

Ben said: “Sport has always been close to my heart. It can be a great developer on and off the pitch.”

AFYA – which means health and well-being in Swahili– aims to harness sport to foster a positive attitude among youngsters.

Ben added: “We operate in primary schools, secondary schools and clubs and use a sports development programme that captures children at an early age, around six years of age, or children who are older but have not had the chance to play sport.”

AFYA benchmarks its programmes against those in New Zealand where the development of youngsters is more advanced.

The company will also be launching an online package that parents can access which includes skill sessions, advice on nutrition and training programmes.

The “Coach the Coaches” sessions will be held at Caldy Rugby Club on Tuesday, December 16, and Wilmslow RUFC on Thursday, December 18 at Wilmslow RUFC.

The intensive two-hour evening event is aimed at club 1st and 2nd XV coaches as well as anyone coaching children over the age of 13.

To book a place on the “Coach the Coaches” events, call 01565 760034 or email: ben.wood@afyasportstrg.com or james.wade@afyasportstrg.com. Tickets are £25 per person and are strictly limited. www.afyasportstrg.com AFYA is proud to support the incredible work done by Winston’s Wish, the leading childhood bereavement charity in the UK.

NOTES TO EDITORS

For more information or an interview with Ben or James, please contact Lucy Mason at Mason Media on 0151 239 5050/07903 197402 or email: lucy@masonmedia.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mason Media .