Coaches Week Spotlight: Luca Iacovelli
September 21st, 2022
(Whitby, ON) - National Coaches Week is an annual campaign lead by the Coaching Association of Canada. Coaches Week is an opportunity to recognize coaches for the integral role they play by taking the time to recognize and thank them for all their efforts. Join in on the week by recognizing your favourite coach on social media using the hashtag #ThanksCoach. Tag Rugby Ontario in the post so we can recognize them as well!
In celebration of National Coaches Week, Rugby Ontario is profiling volunteer coaches from across the Ontario rugby community. Next up in our Coaches Spotlight Series is Luca Iacovelli. Luca is an up and coming coach who is part of the Caledon Cavaliers RFC. He is one of the coaches who runs their Minor Rugby program. Read below to learn more about Luca!
How did you first get involved with rugby?
I originally got involved with rugby through my Dad. I began as a player through the Rookie Rugby Program about 7 years ago and have been involved in some way or another ever since.
What is your favourite rugby memory?
I started the season with ten kids who’ve only ever heard of rugby, starting from complete scratch. Being able to watch them work as a team and play together well at those last minor festivals knowing I had a role in their development was a phenomenal and proud feeling.
What do you love most about the sport?
The community is unlike anything else, if you are involved with the sport then you have a family.
What made you want to become a coach?
I love rugby and coaching lets me support the growth of the game, improve my own skills, and of course develop players while they get to love rugby as much as I do.
What role have mentors and mentees played in your coach development? Anyone you want to give a shoutout to?
They provided clear guidance and understanding with interpreting different methodologies of coaching. Byron Wood has been a great help in the development of my coaching career.
What challenges come with being a coach?
Adapting to better fit your players’ needs is always a challenge, preparing practice plans to ensure each session is unique while maintaining maximum player engagement throughout the session.
What is your favourite part about coaching?
Watching a group of players develop and grow together knowing I played a role in their progress.
How have you changed as a coach over your career?
Developing my confidence was one of the first things I had to do but was one of the most important and significant changes I made as a coach. It’s simple but vital. Being open to learning from others as much as I teach will always be a key to my improvement.
What have you learned during the pandemic that can help you grow as a coach?
A better understanding of an individual's requirements, needs, and necessities.
What would you say to someone who is considering getting into coaching?
Give it a go, if you don’t like it: that's okay but if you do like it then everyone wins. Whether it’s as a lead coach or an assistant coach, involvement in any form is always needed.
What are your goals as you move forward in your coaching career?
Improving my analysis of how my teams play so that I can develop activities around improving their weaknesses. Continuing to learn and take any opportunities to improve my coaching through courses and clinics.
ABOUT RUGBY ONTARIO
Rugby Ontario is the provincial sports governing body responsible for the organization of rugby in Ontario. Our mission is to lead, support and promote Rugby for All from communities to clubs to province. This mission signals a movement toward creating a more cohesive, supportive and progressive sporting environment that is responsive to the needs of all members.
To learn more, visit https://www.rugbyontario.com/
WANT MORE INFORMATION?
Dalton Finkbeiner
Communications and Marketing Coordinator - Rugby Ontario
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