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Thursday, June 3, 2010
Bob Weir to Coach Philadelphia Women Weir will take over head coaching duties for the Fall 2010 season. Weir replaces Lisa Rosen, who has recently accepted the position as Head Coach for the Glendale Raptors Women’s Rugby team in Glendale, CO.
During the search for a new head coach, PWRFC found that there were few people that matched Lisa’s passion for and knowledge of the game. The club had spoken to Weir several times in the past few seasons about getting involved, and is happy the time is now right for him to join the organization. PWRFC Vice President Emily Tunney said, "Bob has the ability to inspire the players; he knows the game and really seemed to click with the team during a guest coaching session this spring.” Lisa Rosen says of Weir "I couldn't be happier that Bob decided to take the reins. We've worked together for several years in the coach development program, and he is absolutley the most qualified coach in the area. He's a very creative coach that I've gone to when I've needed ideas, and he has a gift for interacting with players. The team will undoubtedly take big steps forward under his leadership." Weir represents longtime ties to the EPRU and is one of the most experienced coaches in the area. He has been involved in area rugby since the early 1970s and is a student of the game. Since the early 2000s he has been working within USA Rugby to develop coaches in the United States. Weir is an International Rugby Board (IRB) Coach Educator licensee, a Coach Development Course Leader for the USA Rugby Coaching Development Program and a graduate of USA Rugby’s first Advanced Coaching Course. Most recently, he was the Head Coach for the DII Wilmington Men RFC, as well as the U-19 Wilmington Colts and the Delaware U-19 Boys Select Side; he has also coached the Philadelphia-Whitemarsh Super League squad and the Middletown High School Boys.
The Philadelphia Women's Rugby Football Club competes in CR3 Division 1, and also fields a competitive developmental side regularly. A continual strong performer, PWRFC finished 5th in Division I nationwide in 2007, 13th in 2008, and 5th in 2009. Weir takes over the club with sights on improving their league record within CR3 and increasing their national ranking. One of Weir's first acts as coach will be to meet with the players and help them establish their goals for the upcoming pre-season and beyond. Weir said, “This is a player’s game and unless the players and coach are on the same page, we will not be able to meet the successes we are capable of.” Weir and Club President Emily Sabato both agreed that the club's way forward is by cultivating the talent that exists in the Philadelphia area, and plan to continue the team's commitment to player development and collegiate outreach. “Our Search Committee had a long conversation with Bob, about the game and the demands of the women’s game at this level of play and Bob was energized about the challenges we laid out for him,” said PWRFC Captain Emily Record. “Bob and I spoke about the satisfaction you can get as a coach by working with committed and skilled rugby athletes, as well as the excitement of teaching new players who just want to be involved.”
The Philadelphia Women’s RFC begins the fall season with CR3 matrix matches in late August. Please check http://www.pwrfc.org for more details where the full schedule will be posted as soon as it is available.
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