Video link: ADS Cohesion Challenge
Start of the Off-Season
And we are off and running, ‘literally’, with the Club implementing a comprehensive off-season program, engaging 140 players across three tailored training streams. The initiatives prepare players physically, mentally, and socially for a rigorous 2025 pre-season training period at the end of January.
Training Highlights
The off-season includes:
- 6 Week Off-season period
- 4 Weights Sessions Weekly: Focused on building strength and endurance.
- 2 Major Field Sessions: Concentrating on conditioning and gameplay strategies.
- 3 Skill Development Sessions: Enhancing core rugby techniques and positional precision.
- Athletic Testing and benchmarking
- Club cohesion activities
Club Cohesion Initiatives
To foster team spirit and a sense of community, SUFC integrated two essential programs:
- Team Building with Soul Drummer:
Players participated in an engaging African drumming workshop led by Soul Drummer. The session introduced group drumming as a tool to enhance collaboration, communication, and well-being. This hands-on experience allowed players to connect rhythmically, promoting unity and a shared sense of achievement. Soul Drummer, a Sydney-based team, is known for its interactive drumming workshops, which emphasise stress relief and team cohesion through music and rhythm.
- Charity Engagement Task:
The men’s and women’s teams were divided into groups, each selecting a charity to support through volunteer work. This initiative not only contributed to meaningful causes but also acted as a team bonding exercise, emphasising external life skills. Groups reported their experiences to the club, culminating in a vote to determine the primary charity for SUFC’s 2025 fundraising efforts.
Outcomes and Looking Ahead
The off-season program achieved:
- Improved physical fitness and skill levels.
- Stronger team cohesion through innovative activities.
- Increased awareness of social responsibility among players.
As SUFC approaches the new season, the club is poised to build on these successes, with the groundwork laid for an impactful 2025 campaign both on and off the field.