The Ospreys have teamed up with Swansea Council to launch a series of coaching sessions for the youngest members of the local community, aimed at providing 5-7 year olds with an introduction to the FUNdamentals of rugby.
Kicking off later this month, the 10 week courses will run at community leisure centres throughout the city, with coaching provided by Ospreys Community Coaches, that will provide solid foundations to the children’s rugby development.
During the course children will be taught through the medium of tag rugby (non-contact). The sessions will focus on the three main themes of the game - Running and Evasion, Ball Handling and Ball Familiarity, Tagging and Defending.
With the WRU and Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) both encouraging under fives to enjoy multi-sport activities, these courses are specially designed and adapted to encourage children aged between 5-7 to discover a passion for rugby, through the FUNdamental skill movements.
Ben Rose, Ospreys Rugby Development Officer for the Swansea area, is leading the courses, which are taking place at six different locations. He said:
“These courses are based on the fundamentals of Agility, Balance and Co-ordination which are essential attributes for developing the skills needed for Rugby and many other sports. Sessions have been designed specifically for the needs of 5-7 year olds, which means there is great emphasis on fun, teamwork and fair play.
This will be the first time that most of the children participating will have received formal rugby coaching of any kind, so they form an essential part of the player development pathway. It is important that we provide them with the right building blocks for the future, whilst ensuring that they enjoy the experience and look forward to picking up a rugby ball and practicing the important skills that they need to play the game, whatever their level of ability.”
Ospreys community events are kindly supported by supported by RWE npower renewables, the club's primary sponsor.
COURSES RUN THROUGH THE AUTUMN AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
Pentrehafod, Mondays 4.30-5.30pm (01792 650484) Starts Mon 28th September
Penlan Leisure Centre, Mondays 4.30-5.30pm (01792 588079) Starts Mon 28th September
Morriston Leisure Centre, Tuesdays, 5-6pm (01792 797082) Starts Tuesday 29th September
Penyrheol Leisure Centre, Thursdays 5-6pm (01792 897039) Starts Thursday 1st October
Bishopston Sports Centre, Tuesdays 5pm-6pm (01792 235040) Starts Tuesday 15th September
Cefn Hengoed Leisure Centre, Thursdays 5pm-6pm (01792 798484) Starts Thursday 1st October
To book a place on one of the courses, parents need to contact the venue directly. Places cost just £30 for ten one hour sessions.