The Ospreys have teamed up with Neath Port Talbot Council in order to deliver a Basic Skills programme for teenagers in the county.
The programme, funded by Basic Skills Cymru, aims to use sport and, in particular the Ospreys brand, as a means of inspiring young people to increase their learning experiences in maths, literacy and ICT.
Long serving Development Officer for Neath Port Talbot, David Arthur, has been seconded from his post to lead this new initiative, and will work with comprehensive schools in the Neath Port Talbot District to deliver the programme.
A former physical education teacher with more than 20 years of experience of rugby development in the region, he was also the Player Development Manager at the time of the Ospreys inception in 2003. In these roles, he has worked closely with a number of the present senior squad as they have developed as players, and is ideally placed to forge links between the squad and the young people who will be taking part in the programme.
Speaking about his new role David said:
“I was delighted to be seconded into the post and would like to thank the Neath Port Talbot Council and the Ospreys for giving me the opportunity to develop this inspirational programme. Sport has played a major part in my life and I am convinced it is a great tool with which to stimulate learning.
“Being linked with such a prestigious organisation as the Ospreys and the inspiring people involved with the region will also make it exhilarating for those who are taking part. We have recently chosen fifty participants from four comprehensive schools who will participate in the pilot programme starting this month.”
Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Councillor Ali Thomas, said:
“This unique programme will inspire young people across the County Borough to develop and learn new skills with the support of the Ospreys players. It is pleasing to see that this new partnership is leading the way in developing sector leading learning opportunities for young people.”
The participating schools are Cwmtawe Comprehensive, Cwrt Sart Comprehensive, Glanafan Comprehensive and Sandfields Comprehensive. As part of the programme, students will be welcomed to an Ospreys training session at their Llandarcy Academy of Sport HQ, as well as attending a Magners League fixture at the Liberty Stadium.