Goodfield retired last season following a long period on the sidelines with a shoulder injury. And he is now in charge of identifying and bringing through young talent in Merthyr.
The former Pontypridd hooker may only have been in his role for less than a year, but he has already seen a noticeable improvement in player participation in the area.
In his short time in the role, Goodfield has seen more than 20 schools take part in Junior Schools Festivals while four dedicated skill hubs are touring around the borough. A league has also been set up for the comprehensive schools in Merthyr to play against each other with the winners taking on those from leagues in other boroughs.
“At first it was difficult, but all the clubs and schools are getting behind it and giving children the chance to participate in some form of rugby”, said Goodfield.
“There are all sorts of links outside the schools too, the Merthyr College students who need coaching experience are coming to teach with me on the four week skills programmes for example.
“The biggest thing though is making sure we engage youngsters in years five and six, get them enjoying rugby and building up skills without being concerned with things such as contact, and then encouraging that long-term engagement.”
With young players from the region such as Owen and Alec Jones on form for the impressive Blues North U16 side this season, Goodfield hopes more and more future talent will come out of the town.
“It all goes back to the junior schools but hopefully the clubs will work with them to encourage those children who want to play to sign up with a club too”, he added.
“It’s going to take a long time, but the work’s already started.”
