This month sees the return of the Tinys Choice award for Outstanding contribution to, or participation in, grass roots rugby in the Blues Region.
At half time during the Blues successful start to their Heineken Cup campaign, Dai Harris, Chairman and Coach of Cardiff Schools Under 11s was presented with his prize by bmibaby Managing Director David Bryon and Blues stars Xavier Rush and Dean Dewdney.
The award is given each month to a deserving volunteer, nominated by Blues development officers or by any one else in the community, courtesy of Blues principle sponsor, bmibaby.
Dais work as coach for Cardiff Schools Under 11s is a beacon for coaches across Wales. He has been involved in junior rugby in the capital for many years and as part of a valued team of volunteers, they have achieved notable success together. Last season the Under 11s claimed victory in the DC Thomas Cup Final against Bridgend to complete a one-two for Cardiff Schools as the Under 15s also won the Dewar Shield.
Nadine Griffiths, Blues South Development Officer for Under 12s, nominated Dai for the award and commented,
I fully endorse Dai’s nomination for the Tiny’s choice Award. He has been a stalwart of Cardiff Schools Junior rugby for many years and its only right that he receives due recognition.
The Under 11s were very strong last year but it was partly down to his skill and dedication in organising the team and as a coach that saw them through to win the competition against teams with more resources.
In addition to the work that Dai contributes through Cardiff Schools, he is a teacher at Pentyrch School and a regular at the Arms Park himself.
Despite their young age, the under 11s are becoming very familiar with the Arms Park surroundings. At the Blues versus Scarlets game, the team paraded their trophy in front of the crowd. And be sheer co-incidence a number of the young players were back again last Saturday to participate in a TAG rugby initiative against representatives from Leeds.
The Tag Rugby initiative, organized by Sport.Cardiff, the sports development unit of Cardiff Council; Cardiff Blues and the ERC (European Rugby Cup) has been set up to promote Cardiff as the host city for this seasons Heineken Cup final and create further cultural links between each of the rugby playing regions, showing the young people of Europe coming together under the banner of rugby union.
Dai explained,
We were pleased to be invited to represent Cardiff in the rugby exhibition following the European cup this season. We have a squad of 40 players in the Under 11s this year, so a different set of 10 players will be involved in all three of the Blues Heineken Cup fixtures this season as well as appearing in Italy when the Blues play Calvisano.
I take pleasure in working with the future young players in Cardiff who could one day go on to play for the Blues rather than just represent the city.
If you think you know someone who is deserving of the Tinys Choice Award send your nomination to Tinys Choice Award, Cardiff Arms Park, Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1JA. Dont forget to tell us your contact details and why you think they deserve the award!
For more information on award sponsor, bmibaby, the airline with tiny fares visit www.bmibaby.com