In a sign that more and more countries are beginning to take rugby league seriously, this time, it is the Dutch who have seen their coaches and officials complete a course, with the RLEF present to oversee the coaching course in Rotterdam.
Martin Crick, the RLEF Coaching Manager and other match officials oversaw the courses which were led by Jason Bruygoms and Timo Meinders (both coaches) and Bruygoms Misaele Vakadranu (match officials).
With the completion of these courses, it means that the NRLB has graduated from the RLEF’s technical strategy, with Bruygoms excited about the direction of Dutch RL and they are looking forward to working with the Belgians in the future.
“The Rugby League Level 1 Coaching course and Match Official course was a huge step in the right direction of developing rugby league in the Netherlands,†said the hard-working Bruygoms.
“We were also honoured to host two rugby league enthusiasts from our neighbouring country Belgium which we find very beneficial, as we did not only help educate but have made close ties with our Flemish friends and aim to work together towards promoting and growing the sport in both countries”.
With the completion of the course, Dutch tutors are now able to conduct licensed technical courses, as the course received an additional boost when two Belgian officials turned up, having seen the course advertised on the NDRLB website.
“The course received an unexpected and very encouraging boost when two delegates from Belgium arrived, having seen the course advertised on the NDRLB website,†said Crick.
“This opens up numerous opportunities for the development of the sport, as Brussels and Rotterdam are only two hours apart.â€