Between April and July local young women between the ages of 16-24 who are NEET (Not in education, employment or training) will have an opportunity of a lifetime to gain qualifications and be introduced to the game of rugby which hopefully will be the catalyst to start living healthier and active lifestyles.
The participants will have three hours a week contact time with WRU coaches to learn rugby skills and two hours working with local authority sport development officers to acquire life skills and be introduced to facilities within their locality that can accommodate an active lifestyle.
The programme will give participants an opportunity to sample different training methods in various locations which will culminate with an experience money can’t buy which is to play on the hallowed turf of Principality Stadium and compete as a team at a rugby event.
In addition, qualifications in coaching and refereeing will be gained and utilised at one of the new Rugby Cluster centre for girls which are being set up to develop girls rugby in the spring and summer months.
WRU National Women’s Rugby Manager, Caroline Spanton, said: “Rugby can have such a positive impact on young people’s lives, using the values to help them develop personally and set them up to a positive future. We hope that this programme will be the first of many.
The project is being funded through Carmarthenshire County Council who are currently looking for women to apply to enrol on the programme.
Area Sport & Leisure Manager, Gary Price, commented: “This is a unique opportunity to be a part of an exciting programme, which will no doubt contribute to a healthier lifestyle whilst also learning new skills and gaining invaluable qualifications which hopefully in turn will deliver employment opportunities for the participants.
“We are still looking for recruits to the programme and if you would like to be considered for this exciting project you must be a resident of Carmarthenshire County Borough and not in education employment or training. Please contact Kate Williams or Hywel Thomas, Sports Development on 01267 224715 or KaLWilliams@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Closing date for applications is Friday 6th May.
