Following a pilot scheme last spring to give youngsters rugby skills and activities in a bid to address issues of social exclusion and prevent crime, the second project of its kind is being launched this week, this time in Blaenau Gwent.
The nine-week project – run by the Welsh Rugby Union in conjunction with the Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly Youth Offending Team (YOT) – will give another 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.
After assessing the success of the pilot project, the Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly Youth Offending Team believes the scheme can potentially steer youngsters away from anti-social behaviour and crime and towards positive leisure and recreational activities.
During the course of this project, which will be based at Nantyglo Leisure Centre, Welsh Rugby Union community development officers and community coaches will provide a group of 13 to 18-year-olds with rugby skills sessions covering ball skills, speed, agility and evasion, and sports and lifestyle education to include advice on nutrition, conditioning and drugs and alcohol.
The potential benefits of the scheme include improved health, lifestyle and self esteem for the participants along with leadership skills, discipline, and a sense of identity.
The scheme kicks off at the MUGA, next to the ATP at Nantyglo Leisure Centre on Wednesday November 7th where participants will receive rugby kit and take part in the first rugby skills sessions. A Dragons player will be present to give the youngsters a helping hand at their first session, and the individuals directly involved with the project will be on hand to give an assessment of its success, having worked with the youngsters on the pilot scheme.
