Donation from young rugby stars

THESE young rugby players are busy preparing for the most important games of their careers so far.

But Pencoed RFC Under-16s have spared a thought and some hardearned money for those in need.

Having volunteered to pack customers’ bags at Sainsbury’s in Sarn on one of the busiest shopping days of the year – December 23, 2016 – the team raised £1,043.81.

They need the money to fund an Easter tour to London to celebrate the end of their mini and junior rugby careers, where they will play fixtures against the under-16s teams of the world-renowned London Irish and London Welsh rugby clubs, and to purchase new off-field kit.

But they also decided to make a donation of 10% to the store’s nominated charity and have now presented a cheque for £104.38 to The Contact Zone – Child Contact Centre, which provides a safe, friendly, neutral environment for children to have contact with parents and/or family members they no longer live with, without fear of conflict.

Pencoed RFC under 16s are also the reigning Ospreys Cup Under15s champions and have reached the final of this year’s under 16s competition, which will be played at The Llandarcy Academy of Sport, the training base of the Ospreys regional rugby side, on Sunday, May 7.

The side’s tour organiser Mark Johns presented a cheque to The Contact Zone’s manager Andrea Thomas at Sainsbury’s.

She said: “The money will help a great deal in providing valuable resources for the children to be able to have quality time with their parents who they no longer live with.

“It is with these types of donations that we are able to continue to help children rebuild bonds, trust, and maintain relationships with those they are unable to see otherwise.

“We would like to thank Pencoed RFC Under-16’s for their support and wish them the best of luck in their final.”