Jakarta Komodos Junior Rugby Club Offer Free Overnight Rugby Camp for Club Members

The Jakarta Komodos Junior Rugby Club (JKJRC) is excited to announce a two-day, one-night, rugby training camp for the Under 8s and above age groups at our training grounds in Jagorawi on October 29-30. This is a free overnight camping experience open to all club members with the ultimate aim of having a great time and improving player skill levels.

JKJRC chairman Jess Djamhoer said that thanks to the support of senior club players, parents, supporters and corporate sponsors, the Komodos were in a fantastic position to continue to further the development of rugby in Indonesia. “We encourage all parents and supporters to participate in this wonderful weekend,” Jess said. “Rugby is a great sport, which focuses on safety, strength, conditioning, but most importantly teamwork and friendship.”

JKJR committee member and Under 8s coach Cameron Bates reiterated that creating a safe, fun environment in which children and teenagers, both males and females from differing cultural backgrounds, could enjoy rugby. “Rugby is a contact sport but training and games are monitored closely by trained adults who ensure that the proper techniques are applied on the field,” he said. “Players must also wear appropriate safety gear, such as mouth guards, and we have trained medics even though injuries are rare.”

JKJR head coach Ahmed Fauzi, who oversees coaching for all Komodo age groups, from the Under 16s down to the Under 7s, encouraged players to attend as many of the focus groups on both days as possible. “Yes, the camp is focused on enjoying rugby but it is important to maintain and improve your existing skill sets, as well as overall fitness,” he said. “It will only increase enjoyment.”

The overnight rugby camp, which starts with normal training at 9am for all age groups, including the Under 7s, features a number of focus groups, namely passing, rucking, scrum, line-out, tackling, back and kicking skills. Other highlights include a mini hash run, group swimming session at the pool, a traditional South African braai (BBQ) in the evening and a cooked breakfast.

The schedule is as follows:

Saturday
9am to 11am Normal training
11am to 12pm Lunch (BYO)
12pm to 4pm Rotation through focus groups
4pm to 6pm Swim
6pm to 8pm Braai (BBQ)

Sunday
7am to 8am Mini-hash run
8am to 9am Cooked breakfast
9am to 12:00pm Rotation through focus groups
12:00 to 12:30pm Mini matches
12:30pm Close (no lunch provided)

Johannes Spies, coach of the Under 12s, said children would bed-down for the night under one marquee. Parents who wished to stay overnight were encouraged to bring their own tents, he said. “The club is very social and we have an excellent group of parents who enjoy the club as much as the children do. We are all looking forward to the camp.”

Jess also mentioned that beside the junior activities, a Level-One Coaching Course was available for parents or supporters on the Saturday, as well as a Level-One Referees Course the following day. “As many parents as possible are encouraged to assist during training each week as well as help out during international tournaments, including refereeing,” he said. “So these courses are important and can be completed in one day.”

Trevor Morrish-Hale, coach of the Under 10s, said that “this sort of event really builds relationships, promotes team spirit and creates unity within the club, which is ultimately transferred to the pitch in improved team play.” “It will also further promote the interaction between the age groups and the local communities, with the Mama Sayang and local Karangan children being fully involved too.”

The Jakarta Komodos Rugby Club incorporates local children in its rugby programme, while its women’s team comprises players from the Mama Sayang Orphanage.

Steve Daffern, Under 7s coach, said his team, which plays non-contact rugby, would “unfortunately” have to wait till next year before they could participate in the focus groups.

“Whilst we focus on an introduction to all aspects of rugby specifically developing the basic skills needed for the game with an emphasis on fun in motion activities our utmost priority is the safety of our junior players,” Steve said. “U7’s play touch rugby to ensure adequate body growth and structural development prior to being involved in contact rugby, but the techniques that we teach are the basics that will be expanded on in the players further coaching and development.”

Steve said the Under 7s were the foundation of the Jakarta Komodos Rugby Club, with a number of expatriate kids also going on play for rugby clubs around the world.

“Parents assisting are an essential and invaluable resource that we cannot manage without, their continuing support allows us coaches to give more dedicated time to each of the players and a better level of instruction – so the more coaches we have the better,” He said. “Therefore I would ask as many parents to participate in the coaching course and actively participate in the development of the players. There is no better way to get involved in the club and you can even participate in the warm up and benefit in a weekly free exercise session without paying for the gym membership. Training is on as usual for all U7’s starting at 9am on Saturday.”

Important points

• Every child attending the camp must bring their own lunch with them on Saturday
• Bring mouth guards or child will not be permitted to engage in contact aspects, including matches
• Mouth guards will be for sale over the weekend in case of emergency
• Lunch will not be provided on the Sunday

Every child should bring the following:

o Sleeping bag and pillow
o Blow up mattress or camping mat
o (Tents for parents)
o Towel
o Sun cream
o Mosquito repellent
o Spare clothes x2
o Swimming gear
o Toiletries
o Spare socks
o Trainers
o Sandals
o Torch
o Lunch for Saturday
o Rugby boots and gear
o Snacks