THE coaching coordinator of a county rugby side who was inspired by his son's interest in the sport has received one of the highest coaching certificates.

Dan Stretton, who holds the role at Bromyard Rugby Club, has become a Level 2 qualified coach.

His dream has been made a reality thanks to the QBE Coaching Club which is a joint initiative between the RFU and QBE, the business insurance specialist.

As a qualified Level 2 coach, Stretton is now coaching the Bromyard U15s team.

“I think it’s important to have as many trained coaches as possible, as well as encourage young players to take up the game," he said.

"The more coaches who are trained to Level 2 standard, the more likely young players are to stay in the game longer due to the better quality coaching they will receive.”

He says he is determined to grow the game locally.

"I have been actively encouraging other coaches at Bromyard to sign up to the QBE Coaching Club, as I have seen the positive impact it has had on me and my team.

“I want to give as many kids the opportunity to experience the game of rugby and the core values at the heart of the game. I feel more confident to do that now that I have my Level 2 qualification.”

Stretton's passion for rugby stretches further than his club commitments. He also volunteers as a coach at primary schools including Sutton St Nicholas, Pencombe, Bredenbury, Burley Gate, and Marden Primary Academy.

The RFU and QBE partnership means 2,015 new Level 2 rugby coaches will be recruited and trained by this September.

The initiative has been established to ensure the game has enough quality coaches to welcome new players and encourage them to stay within the sport.