Ospreys visit Sketty Primary

They joined Tom Sloane, Participation Officer for the Swansea District, for the visit which rounded off a series of weekly rugby sessions at the school aimed at offering the children an introduction to rugby through fun skills based sessions.

Eli and Joe took part in some rugby activities, before settling down for a Q&A session where they answered questions about their lives as professional rugby players and what they hope to achieve in their career. The Q&A was followed by what is always the most popular part of any school visit - the photo and autograph session.

Carly Davies, Year 6 teacher, said that everybody had a great time:

"Everyone has enjoyed Tom's coaching over the weeks leading into the visit from Eli and Joe, and the pupils were all really excited about welcoming two Ospreys players to the school. The children and staff really enjoyed ?the Q&A session in the hall and the Year 6 children are delighted with ?all their signed bags, pencil cases, posters, hair brushes, ?papers......... and anything else they could find!

"It's fantastic for everyone at Sketty Primary to be involved with the Ospreys, and the players visiting the schools helps to bring them closer to the pupils which is important for the community."

Eli Walker, who grew up just a few miles away from Sketty Primary, agreed that it was important for local school children to feel close to the players:

"I'm a Swansea boy who played for my school and local club before going into the Ospreys system and playing for Swansea and then the region, and Joe is exactly the same. We are both proud to represent the Ospreys, our region. When we go out to schools and the children get a chance to know us, they can see that we are just the same as them, and that one day they could play for the Ospreys too."