The sporting theme of the week for youngsters from Rumney continued with a VIP tour of the Cardiff City Stadium and a soccer skills session, as part of Operation Bang. The tour started with a visit to where the media sit during City and Blues matches, and they got to see all the different pitch views from the stands.
Next up for the youngsters was a behind the scenes look at the changing rooms, where star players like Chopra get ready, before hitting the field on match days. This was a popular part of the tour as they got to experience what it would be like to be a professional football player, and play for their favourite club. Some of them even took on the role of manager Dave Jones, and give motivational talks to their friends (or that should be Cardiff City stars of the future).
They got to see the referee room, and even found out how the players shirts are kept gleaming clean – by visiting the official team washing machine room, where preparations were ongoing ahead of the big match against Norwich.
And this was no ordinary washing machine room, as it proudly displays some of the shirts of star players that have visited the stadium.
And the excitement continued with a seat in the dug out and a walk on the hallowed turf, before the group headed to the training pitches for a skills session.
Joe Regan (age 9) said “I really enjoyed being at the stadium of my favourite football team, and I feel just like one of the players.”
Kieran Russell (age 9) said “I have had a lot of fun and today has been the greatest day of my life.”
Matthew Bloxon who’s a School Coordinator for Cardiff City said “It’s good for the youngsters to learn about their local club, and the visit was a great opportunity for them to see what it’s like to play for Cardiff City and visit our great stadium.”
Local PCSO Claire Quick said “We work closely with our community and partners to make sure that there are exciting things for the youngsters to do, and sport is brilliant at bringing the community together, both the youngsters and parents.”
Rumney Development Officer Peter Griffiths said “This is another example of how partnership working can make a real difference to the lives of young people. It was exciting and gave them a glimpse into the world of professional sport.”
The activities today are part of a jammed packed calendar of events put together by the Safer Capital Partnership taking place across Cardiff, and the rest of Wales for Operation Bang. For further information on the events please visit the BANG facebook page at www.facebook.com/beaniceguy
