Saracens community coach Owain Davies has been to Nairobi to visit one of the Global Network teams, Impala Saracens this week as part of the Global Network partnership.
Owain Davies, said; “When Saracens coaching staff first visited Impala Saracens in December 2013 the team was at the wrong end of the table. It was difficult to for the team with such passion and experience to deal with this.”
The first Saracens coach to visit Impala Saracens was Davies, who was soon followed by Saracens Technical Director Brendan Venter.
“January saw the team really turn their season around as they went on a magnificent run only losing one game. A gut wrenching loss in the semi-final of the cup in extra time was tough to take. But the belief in this young squad, at Impala Saracens, is that January was the start of some significant momentum. They are now chomping at the bit for their new season to start in November 2014 and continuing this momentum.”Davies said.
Impala Saracens are highly ambitious and clearly demonstrate the Saracens core values of respect, honesty, discipline and work rate, something which the Saracens coached have noted.
“Impala Saracens have made significant operational changes and have employed a nutritionist to speed up the development of the players and to get an advantage over their opponents. Everyone involved with at Impala Saracens are unconditionally proud and passionate about the club. Saturday morning training started at 7:30am showing their commitment and work rate.”
One of the biggest benefits at Impala Saracens has been the player pathway opportunity. Impala Saracens currently have two players training full time with the Saracens senior squad for pre-season.
Chris Majale, Impala Saracens Academy coach, said; “It’s brought back the winning culture and competition in training. The player pathway identifies a clear and obvious path to the elite game.”
After another productive visit to Impala Saracens, Saracens coaches have seen major improvements since Impala Saracens joined the Global Network in December 2013.
Davies said; “The support of Saracens coaches, including Brendan Venter, has benefited everyone at the club. Impala Saracens want maximum improvement and are always eager for more information. The club are very proud of their two players currently with Saracens and are excited to hear how they get on in the Premiership 7′s in Northampton and the World Club 7s in Limerick for Saracens. Everyone at Impala Saracens has embraced the Saracens partnership and it’s good to see a home away from home in Nairobi.”
