A Midlands rugby club is using market research to help improve performances on the pitch.
Midlands Three East (North) club Glossop asked their first team squad players for details of the club's strengths and weaknesses and the information is now being used to make improvements at their Hargate Hill Lane headquarters.
The idea came from Danny Sims, Glossop's second XV captain, who is market research consultant. He sat the first team squad members down, asked them a series of questions about the club's coaching team and then presented his findings in a report.
Mick Owen, Glossop's head coach, said: "The players were totally honest with Danny and a lot of the things they said to him they would never have said to my face.
"Some of the comments were contradictory but what did emerge is that the players did have 100 per cent confidence in the coaching team which is something that they would never have told us directly.
"We were fortunate that Danny did the report for us free but it was a very worthwhile exercise and, as we believe that other clubs would benefit from it, it was something that we wanted to share."
The research suggested that training sessions should include a fun element, be more tailored to personal targets and that the coaches should not talk down to players.
As a result of the market research the coaches now explain every coaching drill and its purpose, seek an opinion on the players about each session and players' suggestions have been included in the training programme.
Further details about Glossop's pioneering programme can be obtained from Mick Owen on 01457 863009 or Danny Sims on 01663 732721.
