Youngsters in the county of Conwy have been learning some new rugby skills as part of a new fitness drive.
They have been tackling an obstacle course devised by the Welsh Rugby Union to teach young people the skills and techniques needed in the game.
The scheme is being run by the Colwyn Bay-based rugby team, Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC), in partnership with Cartrefi Conwy who also sponsor the team.
Players and coaches from RGC have been out and about on the Parc Peulwys in Llysfaen and the Chester Avenue estate in Kinmel Bay.
As well as supporting the Street Stars initiative in the county, Cartrefi Conwy are also sponsors of RGC.
Cartrefi Conwy’s Neighbourhood Initiatives Manager, Martin Cooil, said: “We want to give our tenants the opportunity to experience new and exciting sports.
“The aim is to develop their interest in exercise and physical fitness. It is all about exposing young people to a new sport and, ultimately, the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
“RGC coaches and players have spent time on our housing estates teaching youngsters ball skills and answering questions about the sport. The sessions have been well attended and there is no doubt tenants have enjoyed getting involved.
“And as part of Cartrefi Conwy’s sponsorship package we have been able to offer young tenants free tickets to some RGC games and a tour of the facilities at Parc Eirias where they train and play.
He added: “The RGC coaches have certainly put the youngsters through a few tough gym sessions as well as teaching them some new rugby skills. But it hasn’t just been about physical exercise as the coaches have explained the importance of a balanced and healthy diet.”
WRU/RGC Participation Officer Allan James says the outreach work has been beneficial because they have been able to work with children who wouldn’t normally engage with a rugby club.
He said: “We have tried to get young people involved and interested in the game in general and not necessarily just RGC. Kimnel Bay, for example, geographically lies between two rugby clubs, Rhyl and Abergele.
“I would be delighted if even just one youngster who has been involved in the Street Stars programme take up the game through their local clubs, hopefully inspiring them to aspire one day to play for RGC
“We have really enjoyed welcoming these young people to the RGC facilities. It’s been fun getting them moving and enjoying exercise.
He added: “Hopefully, they will see the benefits that a good level of fitness can bring. We have also talked about nutrition and what they should, and perhaps more importantly, shouldn’t be eating.
“And, as part of the sponsorship package RGC has with Cartrefi Conwy we were delighted to welcome a number of youngsters to our recent match against Bridgend Athletic, a game we won 57-6.”
Chris Gledhill, a Conwy Youth Services, healthy image project worker, says the Street Stars programme involving Cartrefi Conwy and RGC has been a big success.
He said: “My role is to try and engage more young people, particularly girls, in sport. To that end I have been working closely with Cartrefi Conwy. It’s important to get girls involved as they will often take a back seat with sports that are traditionally viewed as games played by boys.
“It’s brilliant to see young girls from Kimnel Bay’s Chester Avenue estate enjoying the facilities here at RGC and learning about nutrition, conditioning and healthy lifestyles as well as new rugby skills.”
Among those taking part were Amy Woodbridge, 15, and sister Molly, 12, along with Rosie O’Brien, 13, and Grace Lowe, 12, who live on the Chester Avenue estate.
Amy said: “I have always played football, which I like, but now I’ve had a chance to play rugby and learnt a bit about it I do quite like it and might play some more.
“The club is great and we have learnt quite a bit of other stuff as well, like what to eat and what not to eat. It’s been really good fun.”
Equally enthusiastic was Grace who chipped in: “I don’t like football but I have enjoyed learning a bit about rugby which I prefer. I’d certainly like to train and maybe join a team. It’s been pretty good and I have learned a lot.”
Rosie added; “I enjoyed meeting the players and coming to the game. It’s hard work but we have had a good time and learnt a lot especially about stuff like what to eat and what not to eat.”
For more information on WRU’S Street Star programme contact Allan James, WRU Participation Officer on 07584 488276 or email: [email protected]
