YOURS Future stars take part in rugby event
CHILDREN in Cardiff were inspired to give rugby a go for the first time when the home of Wales’ Women and the Cardiff Blues hosted an action-packed Half A Game Festival for under-8s.
More than 140 aspiring rugby players, representing 16 primary schools, gathered at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park for a fun and interactive taster session where everyone was given a chance to learn new skills, have fun and try out the game.
The event follows Welsh Rugby’s pledge to give kids of all abilities the chance to play a minimum of half a game every matchday. With upwards of 1,000 teams signed up, more than 20,000 children from under-7s to under-16s are playing regular rugby at clubs across Wales.
The schools’ festival, delivered by the WRU and Cardiff Blues, aimed to increase participation by giving youngsters new to the game the same sporting chance as those involved at their clubs, in a fun environment.
On the length and breadth of the 3G pitch, the boys and girls took part in workshops which included passing, catching and running with the ball, before getting to try out their new skills in at least two of the 40 back-to-back matches.
Meanwhile, teachers from all 16 schools took part in a rugby induction session and coaches from neighbouring rugby clubs were available to provide information on how to join a club.
Similar events are set to take place throughout Wales to encourage new players and their families to join their local clubs.
With the spotlight currently on the 2017 Six Nations, WRU head of participation Ryan Jones said: “Rugby is a game for all the family, an opportunity to have fun, create lasting friendships, great memories and it is a place where everyone is welcome.”
The three-times Grand Slam winner… and volunteer coach of Mumbles Minis added: “And what a showcase it was on the historic site of the Arms Park last week ahead of the Blues’ epic win over Treviso, with 140 new rugby players from Cardiff schools as well as the Wales Women’s Six Nations match against England attracting new rugby supporters.”