A group of young people from Abercarn and Cwmcarn have been learning how to play golf this week, as part of an initiative organised by the Risca Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Abercarn Neighbourhood Officers arranged for 20 young people between the ages of eight and 13 to receive golf tips from the pro, John Willis, at Parc Golf Club, St Mellons.
Split into three groups, they have received two-hour coaching sessions. During the lessons they were taught how to hold and swing a golf club with control on the driving range. They also practiced their chipping and putting skills.
PC Sam Wassall, said:
“We wanted to help organise a new activity for the young people to take part in over their school holidays. We spoke to some pupils at the local comprehensive school and youth clubs. They were really keen to try something new, and so we arranged for them to visit the golf club, as it’s a disciplined sport where you can learn new skills.”
PCSO Allan Mills, added:
“They have all really enjoyed their visits to the golf club. Although they only spent two hours with the professional golfer, I hope that they have picked up a taste for the sport which they will continue with. Some of them have already shown some great skill. We wanted to help to demonstrate the range of activities there are available for them to take part in and it was a great opportunity for them to get know us a bit more.”
PCSO Allan Mills also helps to run a youth club with two local residents in Llanfach Hall, Abercarn every Thursday between 7pm and 8.30pm. Each week, children between the ages of 8 and 13 attend to take part in activities such as painting and learning to play the drums. They will shortly be receiving lessons on how to beat-box.