Shane Williams and James Hook are among the players to have lit up the sporting world in recent times and now the next generation of stars could soon be unearthed thanks to a Swansea Council scheme alongside the Ospreys and the Welsh Rugby Union.
The new scheme will see community coaches from the Ospreys going into schools throughout the city over coming weeks to support the development of club rugby in Swansea and boost player numbers.
It’s hoped the scheme will lead to new age-grade players joining the rugby clubs of Penclawdd, Penlan, Pontarddulais and South Gower.
The community team will visit schools local to the four clubs to deliver short coaching sessions before the clubs host development nights for children interested in attending.
Ben Rose, Swansea Council Rugby Development Officer, said: “The whole programme is specifically designed to encourage more local children to play rugby. The clubs in question have identified that they need more players and we’re happy to help.
“Like many other clubs, the ongoing recruitment of young players is something of an ongoing struggle in the modern climate with children having so many other attractions and not so much organised rugby taking place in schools anymore.
“We hope we can generate some interest and excitement about rugby among children in the area by going into the schools local to the clubs. This could eventually benefit not just the clubs themselves but also the Ospreys because they could have an expanded player base in future.”
The development nights aren’t being restricted to children in the schools being visited. Anyone who wants to attend one of the development nights is being encouraged to do so.
The next such event is being held at South Gower RFC for U15s from 7.30pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday October 6.
Call Ben for more information on 07919 626722.
