We’re used to reading about the next top players coming through the ranks of grassroots rugby, but what about coaches? Kendal Rugby Club in the rainy region of Cumbria have put their faith in 23 year old Chris Downham who took over as Head Coach at the start of this season. He is the youngest full time Head Coach in the country and his first six months in charge have propelled Kendal to the top of North One West, with hopes of National League status in close sights.

Before starting a day’s work in the flood-stricken fields of Cumbria, Downham chatted to England Rugby about his aspirations for the club.

“I want an amateur club with a very professional attitude. We’ve got a massive incentive to get out of this league and I make no mistake by saying we desperately want to go up. We want to get into a league where there’re less local derbies and more really competitive rugby in different parts of the country.

“The players are starting to understand that this is the business side of the season and this is where it really counts.”

In 2011, the Cumbrian side finished 10th in National Division Two North, three leagues below the Aviva Premiership, before a sudden change in direction left them fourth in North One West division in 2014. Director of rugby Steve Whitehead, who appointed Downham as Head Coach, returned to the club two years ago to stop them disappearing from competitive rugby.

“Steve has shown me a lot of faith and he really seems to believe in me.

“Steve actually played with my dad at the club years ago but my dad kept him out of the team for most of his career which is quite funny. Surprisingly this helps me because I’ve instantly got deep roots with the club."

Downham’s position at Kendal also incorporates a Club Development role which aims to bridge the gaps in their junior levels and strengthen the club throughout.

“I thought it would be a really good starting point to begin a career because it’s something I’d like to do and I’m my own boss at 23 which is great. So it was a great opportunity to take but there was the question of whether I could do it and was I too young?

“The questions mainly come from the older players with more experience which is understandable. What I was really pleased and grateful about was the lads game me a clean slate to work from at the start, rather than give me any previous misconceptions.”

“It gives me a huge sense of belonging and I really want Kendal to do well, it’d be fantastic to be playing National 1 rugby but actually I’d rather be coaching Kendal because that’s where my heart lies.”

Downham carried out his Level Two coaching qualification when he left school and he appreciates the support Stuart Wilkinson (pictured), a former professional Rugby League coach and Leeds Rhinos player, has given him as assistant coach.

During his school days Downham appeared for England U16s and 18s and he was also on the Newcastle Falcons books during a similar period.

“The biggest thing that’s helped me gain respect is that I’ve started playing a little bit. I wasn’t going to but I have and I’ve really enjoyed, I’m looking after myself but getting out there on the pitch and showing I can do it myself and not just talk about it has helped level with a lot of players.”

Kendal have lost only one match this season and that was against local rivals Kirby Lonsdale.

“When I was young Kendal didn’t have a minis team so when I was nine years old I went to play for Kirby Lonsdale who are our arch rivals, but when I was 14 my dad brought me back to play at Kendal and I’ve been here ever since really.”