Tynyrheol Primary School in Bridgend played host to a special visit from Ospreys pair Matthew Morgan and Tom Grabham recently.
The duo, both Bridgend boys themselves, visited the school in Llangeinor to round off a four week series of coaching sessions delivered by Mikey Williams, WRU/Ospreys Participation Officer for the district.
The sessions are part of the Ospreys Schools Programme, a joint initiative between the Ospreys and commercial partners RWE npower renewables and Sony UK Technology Centre along with the WRU, launched last year with the aim of bringing the region into direct contact with 3,000 primary school children over the course of the academic year.
As well as enjoying the rugby sessions, the participating children have also undertaken a specially created education programme which has been put together by the Ospreys in conjunction with the three unitary authorities in the region, Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea, which satisfies National Curriculum objectives and assists in the development of key skills.
Speaking about the visit, which is always one of the highlights of the programme, Mikey Williams from the Community Development team commented:
“We are always very proactive in the community, looking to not only grow rugby across Ospreylia but also provide positive role models for young children, and also, through the Schools Programme help to create better people who have the skills needed for everyday life.
“The visit of Tom and Matthew was warmly welcomed by the pupils and staff. With both of them being from the local community, they stand out as an example of what can be achieved through hard work and commitment, a message that got through to all the children present who enjoyed meeting them both.”
Tom Grabham added:
“It’s always good to be welcomed into a local school where the children are excited to see you. Hopefully their involvement in the Ospreys Schools Programme will help to build close ties between their school and the Ospreys for the long term.”
After the schools go back following the Easter holidays, pupils from Tynhreol will enjoy the highlight of the programme when they visit the Liberty Stadium for a special interactive guided tour.