Over 150 girls took part in their first ever “Hawks” rugby festival on Sunday after being presented with their branded BLK kit by Chris Tweedie from sponsor Charity Bank.
- Hawks girls cluster centres were launched earlier this year by the WRU with the support of Ospreys in the Community
- Charity Bank confirmed as sponsors of the Hawks
- Paul Whapham of Ospreys in the Community was joined by Shona Powell-Hughes of Ospreys and Wales, Hawks ambassador at the first Hawks festival at Swansea University
Formally launched earlier this year, the Hawks are girls cluster centres across the region operated by the WRU with the support of Ospreys in the Community to give girls the opportunity to explore what rugby has to offer.
The festival at Swansea University was a huge success, supported by the WRU hub officers, volunteer rugby leaders from schools and Ospreys women players, with further festivals planned over the summer.
Chris Tweedie, Wales Manager for Charity Bank, said:
“Charity Bank is delighted to sponsor the Hawks, an initiative for girls in the Ospreys Region to participate in rugby. The nurturing environment in the five centres provided by staff and volunteers encourages girls to enjoy and have fun while building sports ability and skills that will stand them in good stead as they grow older.
“It was clear during this first festival that the local community wholeheartedly supports the Hawks, with families, volunteers and the girls coming together for a great day of rugby.”
CHECK OUT OUR GALLERY FROM THE FESTIVAL HERE
Paul Whapham, Foundation Manager, Ospreys in the Community, was there for the kit handover along with Welsh international and Osprey, Shona Powell-Hughes, Hawks ambassador. Whapham said:
“Sunday was the first opportunity for those girls who have been participating at one of the Hawks hubs to enjoy a rugby festival and it was fantastic to see over 150 taking part. It is a clear sign that girls rugby in the region is on the up. This is a fantastic example of Ospreys and WRU staff working together in our region to grow the game.
“It was also great that Chris Tweedie could be there to handover the jerseys ahead of the action and see for herself the impact that Charity Bank’s support of the Hawks is having. Everybody involved is extremely grateful for that assistance, which really will make a difference in the communities of Ospreylia.”
There is still time to get involved at the following venues:
Valley Hawks - Ystalyfera RFC
Ogwr Hawks - Bridgend Sports RFC
West Swansea Hawks - Gowerton RFC
East Swansea Hawks - Bonymaen RFC
NPT Hawks - Llandarcy Academy of Sport, Bryncoch RFC and Skewen RFC
Training is on a Monday night:
U9-U11 – 6pm
U13-U15 – 7pm
Anybody wanting to sign up for the Hawks should contact Joe Davies on jdavies@wru.wales or visit www.wru.wales/girlsrugby. Alternatively, you can search for the Hawks on Facebook. Joining fee applies.
PICTURED ARE GIRLS FROM THE VARIOUS HAWKS CENTRES AS PAUL WHAPHAM AND SHONA POWELL-HUGHES ARE PRESENTED WITH THE NEW HAWKS KITS BY CHRIS TWEEDIE OF HAWKS SPONSORS, CHARITY BANK.
Watch our video from the launch of the Hawks at Llandarcy in April below...