July 21st, 2008

An Under 18s female rugby player and volunteer from Barrow has been honoured with a Young Coaches Scholarship.

Alex Earley, who plays for Furness RFC and attends Lancaster and Morecambe College, took up rugby in 2007. The 17-year-old now regularly assists local Rugby Football Union Community Rugby Coach Martin Grealish with schools’ coaching and festivals, as well as delivering sessions for the Furness Under 15s.  She has already gained the Start Rugby qualification and intends to attend a Level I course later this year.

As well as receiving the Young Coaches Scholarship, which will include a variety of support including funding and a Level 3 trained Mentor who will support her progression and development as a coach, she has been invited to attend the Young Leaders Camp at Bradfield College, Reading in August.

Mark Harper, the Rugby Football Union for Women’s North West Club and Coach Officer, said: “I’ve been working with Alex for around 18 months, watching her develop into a young coach of some standing in the local community. 

“I have spoken with Alex recently about these awards and I know she is very excited by the prospect of the Young Leaders Camp, and is also delighted that the Scholarship shall enable her to attend courses and workshops relevant to her development as a coach.  To be recognised on these two levels is quite an achievement and is just reward for all her efforts over the past 12 months.”

Liam Nicholls, the RFU’s Rugby Development Officer for Cumbria, added: “Alex is a keen and enthusiastic individual who has worked hard as a volunteer in not only rugby but a variety of sports.

“This scholarship is well deserved and I’m sure it will allow Alex to develop to her full potential. We look forward to her continued work with Cumbria RFU as she passes on her knowledge to our next wave of young players and volunteers."

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