The Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation have wrapped up their most successful week of rugby camps, welcoming more than 700 kids to clubs across the region over the course of half term.
The team of community coaches were on the road over the past week, visiting Brecon, Tylorstown, Mountain Ash and Barry, with camps hitting full capacity.
Meanwhile, in Cardiff, more than 150 future Blue and Blacks took part on the famous Arms Park pitch while an extra date was added at St Peter’s RFC, running alongside the girls only camp.
Slots for each camp were quickly snapped up, leading to additional spaces opening up due to the high demand.
However, there is no time for rest as the team now restart their schools programmes across the region, as well as ensuring there is a jersey for all people - irrespective of age, ability or gender.
Director Nadine Griffiths said: “We’ve had a really enjoyable week as a team. To see so many kids turning up and enjoying their rugby, at various corners of our region, is what we thrive for.
“The community coaches deserve all the credit for their hard work throughout, and we couldn’t have had this success without the support of the host clubs.
“Our camps have been running for a long time, and it’s just fantastic to see it continuing to go from strength-to-strength.
“I have no doubts that we’ve seen future Blue and Blacks stars on show over the course of the week, following in the footsteps of the likes of Shane Lewis-Hughes, Manon Johnes, Aled Summerhill, Dillon Lewis and Owen Lane who all took part as kids.
“But there’s no resting up, and we’re always excited to run our various programmes to ensure people of all backgrounds can get involved with Cardiff Rugby.
“There is some inspiring work being done with the wheelchair rugby team and the new youth club in Barry. In March we’ve also got a host of local teams coming down to the Arms Park to take part in our Walking Rugby tournament, and will also be hosting our annual Inclusive Rugby Festival.
“On top of this we’ve also got the bike ride and a golf trip coming up, and we’re really grateful for the support people continue to show us, which makes all of this possible. It’s a really exciting time for the Community Foundation.”
Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation are the charitable, not for profit community arm of Cardiff Rugby. Covering five unitary authorities, 16 Community First cluster areas, 84 community clubs, 61 secondary schools and 320 primary schools.
Through a variety of programmes and initiatives, they use the power and values of sport to inspire, engage and improve opportunities for all people within our community.