Wihan will hone the children’s kicking skills
Well-known local rugby player, Wihan van der Riet, recently started his own rugby kicking academy (Rocket foot Kicking Academy) in the city.
POLOKWANE – Well-known local rugby player, Wihan van der Riet, recently started his own rugby kicking academy in the city.
This came after Van der Riet, known for his kicking expertise, tried out for the San Diego Chargers in the US after being invited by a talent scout.
“Rugby kicking and American football kicking are very different. I felt I went a little to soon for the tryouts,” Van der Riet says of his experience.
He adds he had the opportunity to train with the American football kicker, Michael Hudson.
“I am a much different kicker now than I was during the San Diego Chargers tryouts, and I have even been invited for a private workout with the Green Bay Packers team on Monday.”
He says he is very positive about the private workout and the chance exists that he will make the cut for the team.
Van der Riet’s academy will be known as the Rocket Foot Kicking Academy.
He hopes to share his valuable experience with youngsters.
When he returns from the US he plans to teach both rugby- and American football kicking.
The academy is open to children from Gr 3 upwards. Training is done at the Pietersburg Rugby Club for Gr 3 to Gr 7 learners Mondays to Fridays from 10:00 to 12:00 during school holidays. For Gr 8 to Gr 10 the sessions are from 12:00 to 14:00 and for Gr 11 and up from 14:00 to 16:00.
Van der Riet’s passion and talent for kicking can be seen on YouTube. He also has a Facebook page: Get me to the NFL.
He says coaching times might change in the future depending on his success in American football. “I will be in and out of the US but anyone can contact me for more information on 082 933 1366.”
