I get asked why we train even when there are no games ahead? My response is two-fold, first what is the alternative to not training, and improving the quality of our sports experience and developing our game? Second, and more importantly, we're rugby people, we're social, we love the game, and we like being with players. Matches might be delayed, but they will return.
Chicago North Shore has endured difficult moments in the past, but we have an opportunity to keep our rugby community flourishing. Rugby gives us a reason to connect, be physically active, have some laughs, and we have permission because of rugby to be expressive, athletic, tough, social, and together. That's why I prepare for training. show up ready to go, and always look forward to the good moments our club creates every day.
18-month schedule
Even in difficult times, you have to have a vision for what you hope for, and what you value. The board approved a 'fantasy schedule' for the next 18 months. We know this schedule will change, but we are able to set goals, and prepare in the best way for a return to rugby.
We included rugby league into our schedule, sevens, and the women's premier league. We know things might not go as planned, but the schedule gives us focus, keeps us connected, and let's face it, whether you're a coach or a player you can never develop your skills enough, there's always something improve, and our rugby community deserves to come together.
New forwards coach - Noby Takaki
I am delighted to announce club stalwart Noby Takaki will join the coaching staff as our tight five specialist coach. Noby and I have known each other for twenty-year years since she emerged into the game. Since then Noby earned twenty years of rugby experience with Chicago North Shore including the national championship, and entry into the Women's Premier League. Noby's hundreds of games at the club, CARFU, and midwest level and even more training sessions in the pack are a great asset to the club. Our forwards will benefit from a nightly focus on their skills, and execution. Noby graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, and went on to a top career as a coach and manager.
Rugby league update
We are moving forward to become the first women's rugby league club in the country. Players have registered with the USA women's rugby league management. Our intention is to introduce rugby league to the club in October (depending on restrictions). We intend to create a year-round set of rugby opportunities for players who want them, and rugby league is part of this vision.
July 2020 in the rearview mirror
We finished our July Block of training with a zero infection rate in our club. Our Board took the lead and emphatically dealt with the situation COVID-19 presented us. The players, and club members all responded well, and we trained as if rugby was around the corner. We had several themes in our July block including halfback focus, exit sets, and decision-making. Numbers steadily increased from 8-9 players at the beginning of July to 19 players at training on July 30. Since January, the commitment from players has been top draw. Their conditioning, recovery, and socializing have stepped up, and July showed how committed the players were.
New training dates
Training begins at 7 pm sharp and finishes at 8:30 pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays and some Saturdays.
August dates: 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
Saturdays: 22, 29.
September: 1, 3, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17,
Saturdays: 12, 26.
Rugby league training focus
October: 1, 6, 8, 3, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
Saturdays: 10, 24
COVID-19 Restrictions
We always train in the proper way according to the instructions we receive from rugby authorities and our board's direction. If we move back to phase 3, we will continue to train using individual modes of training as we did earlier in the season.