Meet the Team
Joe McKenna
Position in Rugga Skool: Partner/Coach
Hi there guys,
My main aim and focus when becoming involved in the creation of Rugga Skool was to allow children to enjoy playing non contact rugby in a fun, safe and enjoyable way without the risk of serious injury regardless of children’s age, gender or ability.
My own player development pathway saw me come through the ranks at amateur club level before signing for Barrow Raiders Academy side at the age of 19. I then went on to represent my local town club of Barrow Raiders at 1st team level before signing for another Cumbrian outfit, Workington Town. The skills and experiences I learnt as a child growing put me in great stead to proceed with my career.
I have a keen interest in the sports and leisure industry; enjoying both time spent at local gym and also playing and coaching a variety of sports including my main sport of rugby league. I am currently working for Workington Town RFLC as a Rugby League Community Coach.
I have completed the following qualifications:
- 2010 RFL Touch Rugby Referees Course
- 2010 UKCC Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Rugby League
- 2010 Team Teach (Intermediate and Advanced)
- 2010 Basic Food Hygiene Awareness
- 2010 Health and Safety
- 2010 First Aid at work
- 2010 Safeguarding Children
- 2010 NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification
- 2010 UKCC Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Rugby League
- 2009 Club for All Certificate
- 2009 Coaching Disabled Performers Certificate
- 2009 RFU Tag Rugby Certificate
- 2006 BTEC National Diploma in Sport
- 2005 Rugby League Club Coach Certificate
- 2005 Rugby League Modified Games Certificate
- 2004 Level 1 Resistance Training
- 2004 BTEC First Diploma in Sport
Maya Coxon
Position in Rugga Skool: Partner/Coach
Hi, I’m Maya Coxon in partnership with Joe Mckenna (who is also my younger brother), we developed the idea of Rugga Skool.
Rugga Skool came about as the result of a discussion between me and Joe about children’s rugby in our local area. We feel that there is a requirement from local children for more activity weeks in the school holidays (Rugga Skool Rugby Camps for 5-11 year olds) and sporting opportunities that are fun, safe and enjoyable for pre-school children (Diddy Squad for 3-5 year olds). I am excited to be launching Rugga Skool and look forward to working with many children and parents in the future.
I have the following qualifications:
- BA (HONS) Education Studies, tailored degree to focus on children with Special Educational Needs
- UK Sports Coach Safeguarding Children
- UK Sports Coach Coaching Disabled Performers
- Running Sports A Club for All
- RFU Start Coaching Tag Rugby
- 1999-2003 Match Official in Barrow and District league refereed mini rugby age groups and open age.
Steve Hartle
Position in Rugga Skool: Coach
I will be primarily coaching the Infant and Junior squad at Rugga Skool. I aim to help, support and develop young rugby players and increase participation in the sport.
I’ve been a coach now for 2 years. I coach at a local rugby club and also coach the RFL Under 15’s squad for the Cumbria region. I’m also assistant for the BARLA Cumbria Under 17’s squad. I enjoy all aspects of coaching and like to see players develop as players and people. I have played both Rugby League and Rugby Union. I played for a local rugby league team, for Cumbria and Barrow Raiders Academy.
I’m currently enrolled at MMU, on an Exercise and Sport Science course. I hope to complete this and become a Strength and Conditioning coach. I hope to use all my experience as a player and a coach to help each player develop and become the best they can be.
Qualifications
- Rugby League Coach
- Rugby Union Coach
- Swimming Teacher Certificate
- NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant
- Fitness Instructor Certificate: Resistance Training, Cardiovascular Training, Aerobics, Step Aerobics, Circuit Training.
- FA Football Coach
- RFL Match Official Award.