Ospreys help clubs identify new players

Community coaches for the region will be going into schools across Swansea over the next few weeks as they look to increase the number of youngsters in the District playing the game.

Led by Ben Rose, Player Development Officer for the Swansea District, the Community team will be visiting schools local to the clubs in question to deliver a short coaching session aimed at whetting the youngster's appetites for rugby. These introduction sessions will be followed up by a series of special development nights hosted by the clubs themselves, with interested children invited along to participate.

Ben Rose said:

"The whole programme is specifically designed to encourage more local children to play rugby. The clubs in question have identified that they need more players and have asked us to help them to this end,

"Like many other clubs, the ongoing recruitment of young players is something of an ongoing struggle in the modern climate with children having so many other attractions and also, not so much organised rugby taking place in schools anymore.

"It's important that we work closely with the clubs in our region. Hopefully, by going to schools local to the clubs, we can generate some interest and excitement about rugby among children in the area, with the obvious benefits to the clubs, and ultimately, to the Ospreys, who will benefit in the longer term through an expanded player base.

"The development nights will not be restricted to children in the schools that we visit though. If anyone living in the area are keen to take up rugby, I'd encourage them to come along on the evening to try out club rugby for themselves."

The following club development nights are planned for the end of September start of October:

Penclawdd RFC (all age groups 7 - 14) from 6 - 7pm on Tuesday 28^th September

Pontardulais RFC (all age groups 7 - 11) from 5 - 6pm on Wednesday 29^th September (this will be held at Pontardulais Comprehensive School)

Penlan RFC (all age groups 7 - 11) from 6.30 - 7.30pm on Wednesday 29^th September

South Gower RFC (U15s) from 7.30 - 8.30pm on Wednesday 6^th October