We are back at it with Coach Lilli Tikkanen! She has been the U11 head coach since Autumn 2023, but has been helping/coaching since the beginning of the Academy. Lilli coaches primarily in Finnish and English, but she can also coach in Swedish and German. She has been playing rugby since 2012 in New Zealand and has played for the Warriors Women's team since 2013. Adaptable and multi-talented, she has worn many different numbers while playing. Her favorite position is flanker as she says, "...when you see me with number 7 on the back, you know I'll be happy and eager to make a lot of tackles." Her favorite drills involve, "...all the drills with speed and ball handling..." especially "3v5 touch, where one has plenty of space to work with little tricks, dummies, and speed." New Zealand is home to her favorite rugby team, the Black Ferns. She looks up to players such as Sarah Hirini (NZ), Ana Maria Naimasi (FJ), and Patricia García Rodríguez (ES). Outside of rugby, Lilli works with kids as an Environmental Educator.

 

Her enthusiasm for rugby and coaching shows in everything she has done to help grow the sport. We are glad to have her as a coach for our Junior Academy. Thank you Lilli! 

 

If you would like your child to join Lilli at training, there is more information at our website: WRC Academy U11