2008 Feedback
August 2008 Feedback
Niall's mum wrote "Niall Ellis, 9, attended the second week and REALLY enjoyed it so much. He attended with his pals William and Tom and they all came home at the end of the day buzzing about it and really anticipating their next day. Dont think you can get better than that.They really enjoyed their masterclasses and enjoyed all the named players attending. From a parental view I liked the check in - out procedure, enjoyed the fact that the numbers in groups were small enough for the coaches to get to know the children individually. It made it more personal.
Really impressed with everyone and everything. I dropped in and out at various times and it seemed to me that everyone was having a great committed time, there didn't seem to be anyone excluded or stropped off in a corner!(kids that is!) I dont have anything negative to say at all! Keep us updated on the next sessions and I'm sure we'll be back!
Have spread the word to pals too!"
Chris' dad wrote "Hello Lisa,thanks to everyone for making the academy such a fun and enjoyable experience despite the weather! Chris has taken in what he has learnt and is making the most of his skills, encouraging his team mates and playing in a very positive and thoughtful way. Three things he thought were done well were the challenges on Friday and throughout the week, meeting the stars ,he especially liked Phil D.G. & Zak. He thought they were great. Also he liked the friendly approach by all the coaches as he didn't know anyone on the first day and was very nervous but Lee sorted him out and was very positive all week. As is the true rugby spirit by the end of the week he had made many new friends and we hope to bump into some of them again over the season. The academy was done in a very calm and positive way and the BBQ at the end gave a nice social conclusion .Chris couldn't think of three not so good things but said he would have preferred more contact. Hopefully we can come on another academy and my daughter has said she would like to go too! From my own point of view I would also like to say a big thank you to Steve , Matt and Lee for letting me hang around all week but I learned so much not only about techniques but also about how to actually coach in a positive way which I have carried on to my own sessions and it seems to be working,slowly! Thanks again Jon Partt "
Charlie's feedback is as follows further to his week from 18th August:
What Active8 V15ion did well:
1. Quality of coaching
2. Really enjoyed the masterclasses/Q&A's with current and past players as was good to learn from their experience
3. Good friendly and relaxed atmosphere
For development (struggled with this one!):
1. Would have liked a more consistent timetable re: breaks
2. More choice of DVDs at lunchtime!
3. -
His general feedback was that he had a great week which was fun and he learned a lot and cannot wait for the next one!
Louis' mum wrote "Louis had a fantastic week on the course & really enjoyed himself. I thought it was very well organised & the coaching seemed to be excellent. What a treat for the boys to meet so many international players/coaches (I don't think Louis quite realises how lucky he is!). The location was also convenient with parking. If there are further courses it would be good to know dates as early as possible to sort out arrangements. I know Louis would be very keen to go again! Beth"
Jerry, Deb and Joe Barnard wrote "Matthew found the course excellent and already even in pre-season training matches he is saying he feels he has a better understanding of the game due to attending the academy. We liked the different colour shirts for the age groups, the friendly greeting in the morning from players that he has never seen play but knows as greats of the game from their pictures on the clubhouse wall at Bath and he liked the guest players coming in and the question and answer sessions to finish the day. As this is the first training session of this type that Matt had attended neither he or I knew what to expect but the course surpassed everything that we expected.
Overall a well organised academy of which you should be very proud, Matt is still taking about it and looking forward to coming on the next one.
3 things Active8 V15ion did well:
i) Excellent coaches who obviously created a great rapport with all the boys during the week
ii) Having specialist and international players/coaches coming along
ii) Very well organised from initial booking process to final presentations & BBQ
3 things to develop:
We really can't think of anything that could be done better. From our point of view as parents, everything was organised well and we felt confident leaving Joe with you. Joe thoroughly enjoyed the week, certainly gained confidence, acquired new skills and is looking forward to attending the next session!'
George's mum wrote "Thank you, George had a fabulous time. His favourite master coach was Mike Catt and he loved every day. Regards Katrina Logut"
Charlie's dad wrote "Thought the whole package was excellent, we've tried similar events with most of the other "providers" including Premiership clubs and yours was by far and away the best!."
The Good
1) Really felt welcome and at ease
2) Master class coaches added a big draw
3) Well structured each day
We will recommend Active8 V15ion and Charlie would be very interested in any other programmes you might run. Best wishes, Alec Howard'
The Watling- Read's wrote "Thank you so much for last weeks course. Matthew was very grateful for your understanding reference his coaching and Edward had a "storming week"- his words!! FAB COACHING, VERY FRIENDLY & LOTS OF DRINKS AVAILABLE . Thank you again for your help. We hope to see you again please keep us informed of future events. Jane, Chris , Matt and Edward Watling-Read"
Bev Ball wrote "Many thanks for the very successful and enjoyable week you gave my son.Three things which went especially well from his/our perspective:
- Awards and BBQ, Quality of coaching and personalised reports, value for money
-Things to possibly improve: Information prior to the event (further in advance), play more games
Thanks again, a great success and we will certainly be enrolling Taylor in future events.Bev Ball'
Bernie Knight wrote "I have only very positive feedback to give! Joe and Tom absolutely loved it and are not interested in any other such sessions! They both said from day 1 that it was the best part of their holiday, the best coaching school they had attended and want to know when they join you next! Highly motivational."
From my own perspective:
I found the event very well organised. As a parent, I felt confident of their safety in your care. I think you got a very good mix of coaches for both the am and pm sessions and I particularly like their attitude to the boys - disciplined learning but fun. The boys have also come away with a variety of new skills aside from direct rugby-playing skills eg fluid intake/diet etc, boot cleaning responsibilities (thank you to Jon Callard!).
I think the numbers involved allowed for a much more personal approach than at other courses they have attended and wouldn't want that to be lost in future if the event got too big.
Involving parents was a nice touch too - often in these settings parents can be kept at arms length - barbecue etc
Possible future developments:
I am not sure how practical this would be but if possible it would be good to see some personal 'reports' or 'assessments' perhaps highlighting strengths and areas to concentrate on with some tips for each player The boys like to know what they are doing well and how to improve their weaker points
I will also look forward to discussing possible small group coaching through the winter - and the photos!!
Anyway, thanks once again. Please do let me know of any future plans - the boys will flatten me if they miss out! Hope all small Perrys and Ojomohs are well. Kind regards, Bernie Knight
(for Joe and Tom Knight and Alex Kilbane)'
Richard Waddington wrote "Many thanks. My two boys (Will + Rob Waddington) thoroughly enjoyed themselves !! 3 things done well :
1. Matt (Perry) greatly impressed both boys with how open/friendly he was and his coaching expertise (so thanks, Matt !!)
2. The level of coaching was excellent ! (differentiating course from others)
3. Master Class sessions were excellent Thanks, again Richard.