The Covid years proved to be challenging for everyone of course but the Lions have managed to capitalise on people’s desire to socialise and fulfil a sense of belonging since the pandemic. A pro-active recruitment drive during the past two years has resulted in an increased number of registered players – which in turn – has improved the quality of the team.
Club Captain Liam Rose said: “Our team have achieved a lot in the past two seasons. We’ve made great strides in terms of orientation, recruitment and achievement!
“We’ve conquered the U.K. IGR League and have been made U.K. League Champions two years consecutively. It’s been one hell of a journey”.
Their recent journey as a club has been exciting and fulfilling in equal measures and has also literally meant clocking up the miles to play meaningful and suitable fixtures. Rose added: “We’ve travelled all around the country playing LGBTQ+ teams and have thoroughly enjoyed every single game.
“The players have all put their bodies on the line. To be honest, they’ve smashed it and have made me immensely proud! We hope to continue this rush, taking our game forward by playing more local WRU teams and gaining more experience and getting in that all important game time!”
The recent recruitment drive has also resulted in more volunteers joining the club, which has greatly assisted first team matters according to last season’s successful coach Hywel James: “The club has truly entered a new chapter and we want to keep the momentum going.
“Since covid we have been very fortunate to have an influx of players into the team and it’ a true testament to the hard work that people have been putting in behind the scenes to grow the club.
“In the past few years, we have experienced the clubs most successful period in its history (having been crowned Southern IGR League Champions and two-time IGR UK Champions) – so, we’re always recruiting and looking to grow the club more and more.
Everyone is welcome at Cardiff Lions.
“Due to the nature of our club, we know we have a responsibility to be an all-inclusive team where anyone, no matter sexual orientation or playing ability, can join and be part of community where they feel they belong too. What we’ve built here is truly special with the diverse group we have; I’d argue it’s the most diverse men’s team in the country and it’s something we are extremely proud of.”
Cardiff Lions are certainly not resting on their laurels and are continuing their successful recruitment drive. They are hosting three taster sessions on the 13th, 20th and 27th July which will be under the watchful eye of new coach Tomas Andrews. Their goal of course – to further enhance the Cardiff Lions pride.
