Local Children Enjoy A Taste Of Tag Rugby

On Thursday 4^th December 2008 the Sport and Physical Activity Team, in partnership with the WRU and the Ospreys, invited pupils aged between 7 and 8, from 15 primary schools across Swansea, to participate in a rugby festival at the Elba Sports Complex.

The festival was the culmination of the first term's work in the schools where, over the last few months, Community Coaches from the Ospreys and Swansea College have been delivering rugby sessions to over 1000 primary school children.

Over 400 children attended the festival where they were introduced to the basic skills and drills needed for Tag Rugby and given the opportunity to play against children from other schools.

Following the festival, children were signposted to local rugby clubs in the area to continue their involvement in the sport.

Ben Rose, Rugby Development Officer, said, "The festival was a great success. It was brilliant to see so many children enjoying themselves at the Elba. I would like to thank all the teachers and pupils who attended.

We have been very lucky to have the support from Swansea College whose students were on hand to help out. The partnership with Swansea College started last year with coaches coming on board to gain the WRU Tag Leaders award and delivering what they have learned in the schools. It has been really successful in developing coaches and players in our national sport."

Ben continued, "The involvement and support of the Ospreys in the programme is also vital. The regional identity now carries so much weight with the children of Swansea and is an integral part of the schemes' success. We have been into over 50 schools and hope to get into more in the New Year."

For more information about rugby development please contact Ben Rose, Rugby Development Officer, on 01792 635224 or email ben.rose@swansea.gov.uk.

The primary schools who attended the rugby festival include:-

Gors Community School, Parklands Primary, Cwmbwrla Primary, Tregwyr Primary, Townhill Community School, Christchurch Primary, Plasmarl Primary, Penyrheol Primary, Gorseinon Infants and Juniors, Dunvant Primary, Manselton Primary, Crwys Primary, Waun Wen Primary, St Helens Primary and YGG Llwynderw.