WRU launches pilot scheme

The WRU, in conjunction with the Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly Youth Offending Team (YOT), will next week begin a nine-week pilot scheme to give a group of young people from the YOT’s Youth Inclusion and Support Team a range of rugby skills and activities in a bid to address issues of social exclusion, prevent crime and anti-social behaviour and to motivate the youngsters into becoming positive role models to other young people.

The WRU recognises that rugby in Wales holds a unique position within our communities and is keen to use this role on various fronts. This project aims to engage hard-to-reach teenagers in sport and through sport encourage them to become active members of their communities.

The Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly Youth Offending Team hopes the scheme will have the added benefit of steering the youngsters away from anti-social behaviour and crime and towards positive leisure and recreational activities.

Over a nine-week period the Welsh Rugby Union’s community development officers and community coaches will be providing a group of 13 to 18-year-olds with rugby skills sessions covering ball skills, speed, agility and evasion. They will also offer sports and lifestyle education to include advice on nutrition, conditioning and drugs and alcohol.

The potential benefits of the scheme are set to include improved health, lifestyle and self-esteem for the participants along with leadership skills, discipline, and a sense of identity.

During the project the young people will have the chance to watch a Newport-Gwent Dragons rugby match at Rodney Parade and visit the Millennium Stadium.