Ospreys bosses have expressed their delight after hearing that half of the clubs within the region have already signed up to a new support scheme launched last month with the aim of seeing the Community Development team working even closer with local rugby clubs.
Designed to build on the outstanding work already being carried out by the community team, with 20 clubs actively working with the Development Officers to increase player numbers in their junior sections last season alone, the new scheme will reward pro-active clubs in a number of ways, with the development team also working closely with local schools to drive new players towards the club rugby set-up.
Since its launch in August, 37 clubs from the length and breadth of Ospreylia have already committed to the scheme, registering with WRU/Ospreys Regional Development Manager Ben Rose, providing details of the best club contacts at each age-grade level.
With half of the region’s clubs already committed to the scheme, they will benefit from a number of new initiatives aimed at supporting club operations, driving player recruitment and retention, and developing club coaches to help improve playing standards throughout the region.
Ben Rose said that the response to the scheme has been fantastic:
“For 37 clubs to have already signed up to the new club support scheme in only a matter of weeks is a clear indication that it is an initiative that will be hugely beneficial to Ospreylian clubs.
“We want to ensure that every club in region has the tools and support to grow. They are the lifeblood of the Ospreys and it is essential that we do all we can to help them develop and to grow the game throughout Ospreylia.”
Chief Operations Officer, Andrew Hore, commented:
“Given the voluntary nature of the work involved at community rugby clubs, the individuals involved can change regularly. This makes it extremely difficult for Ospreys Community staff to ensure that they are approaching the right people at each club.
“With that in mind, all participating clubs are being asked to provide details of the best club contacts at each age-grade level, which means that when Development Officers are able to identify suitable new playing recruits on their school visits they are able to ensure the young players are directed to the correct person when interested in taking up club rugby.”
Rose added:
“We are extremely proud of the work that we already carry out with our clubs. The 20 that benefited from our help last season to boost player numbers will be able to vouch for our desire to really make a difference to the community game in Ospreylia.
“One of the key aims of the support scheme is to improve the support we give to all our clubs, and by improving communication channels we can go a long way towards that aim. However, this scheme will provide so many other benefits, and ways that we can work together, really adding value to the relationship that we have with the clubs.
“By rewarding those who are proactive towards their relationship with the Ospreys, we can offer so much more, such as incentives, coaching assistance, player visits and club nights that will really grow the club and the individuals involved at the club, helping to strengthen grass roots rugby right across the region.”
Clubs who have signed up for the new club support scheme already are:
Swansea – 12
Waunarlwydd
Mumbles
Swansea Uplands
Morriston
Gowerton
Penclawdd
South Gower
Bonymaen
Loughor
Pontdardulais
Gorseinon
Fall Bay
Bridgend – 9
Pencoed
Bridgend Athletic
Kenfig Hill
Porthcawl
Tondu
Bridgend Sports
Bryncethin
Ogmore Vale
Maesteg Celtic
Neath Port Talbot – 16
Bryncoch
Ystradgynlais
Pontardawe
Glynneath
Skewen
Aberavon Green Stars
Taibach
Briton Ferry
Corus
Crynant
Cwmtwrch
Cwmgwrach
Resolven
Cwmgors
Baglan
Llandarcy
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If you are involved with a local club and require further information on the support scheme, please contact Ben Rose, either via email at brose@wru.co.uk or by calling 07584 488298.