Monday, March 17, 2014

Watch: Rugby star Geoff Parling returns to Stockton roots for coaching session

17 Mar 2014 10:20

Leicester Tigers, England and British and Irish Lions player went back to Stockton Rugby Club to help inspire young players




Geoff Parling visits Stockton Rugby Club


Rugby union star Geoff Parling returned to his Teesside roots to help inspire young players.


The Leicester Tigers, England and British and Irish Lions player went back to his home club, Stockton, to take part in a coaching session for junior players.


Stockton Rugby Club played a crucial role in the development of the star when he was a youngster who also enjoyed playing football.


And Geoff was only too happy to come back to his old stomping ground to pass on his experience to the next generation of players.


He was at Stockton Rugby Club on Saturday, on the day his England team-mates were taking on Italy in the Six Nations.


Geoff, who is out at the moment due to injury, told the Gazette: “I am getting there but it is very frustrating to say the least.”


Geoff was back at his old club to promote sports volunteering charity Join In’s campaign to find more volunteers to get involved in grassroots sport.


Stockton RFC is now short of volunteer coaches, particularly for the junior teams, and is appealing for more volunteers.


Geoff took a lively session with the Under-13 and Under-14 teams and stayed to watch the Six Nations clash and then cheer on the first XI.


He said it was “awesome” coming back to coach the juniors and catch up with old friends.


He told how he used to play both football and rugby before switching to the latter.



“I got started in rugby because of the fantastic volunteers here who gave their time for free and helped coach me.


“Without them, I would never have made a career out of rugby.”


His advice to the juniors was to “enjoy themselves and work hard”.


“I don’t think it is all about winning when you are a kid.


“I think the key thing at that age is enjoyment.”


One of his old coaches, Keith Bell, said of Geoff: “He was always up for it. He was totally committed.


“We always knew he would go beyond county level. He always had the potential.”


Dominic Streeter, of Join In, said volunteers were crucial in helping to develop the Geoff Parlings of tomorrow. He said: “Without those volunteer coaches he would never have played for England.”



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