...was the first day in my new job as National Coaching Manager for TTAW.
The 2 years have passed quickly and i'd like to think I have made the necessary changes to benefit the sport in Wales.
From booking flights for players for events, to training 6 hours a day in the hall, to dealing with budgets, to meeting the Sports Council, to taking a coaching seminar, to picking up from the airports, to meeting with parents, to setting the season calendar, to writing for sponsorship, to organising the TTAW awards to writing a few emails each and every day - the job is full.
Things can always be improved, and I will always push myself to do better. Players, parents and coaches have a duty to do the same and not always put the blame elsewhere, but look more within to try and develop their games and make a better effort not to rely on what TTAW offer in terms of competition, coaching and management but what can they do, above what is offered, to progress.
So many players have become focussed on immediate results and not what matters in the longer term. No one remembers the best U13, cadets or juniors, but will remember the top seniors. Players can strive to get their games to a senior style as quick as possible to make advances.
Most of our better Welsh players will play in Europe next season which offers a more comprehensive assessment of their match status and we will see who swims and who sinks. Clubs will not be patient and will need results unfortunately. If I can pass on any advice from my playing career, is that you must learn variety and you must learn it quickly.
Lastly, the TTAW do a great deal for all its players and we try as an association (which is mostly run by volunteers) to punch above our level on a global basis. We are small and have few players - but we still (and you do as clubs, parents and coaches of course) manage to produce good quality players from time to time.
Working together is key and I am always here to listen and talk
Ryan Jenkins
National Coaching Manager
2009-present
