Llangynwyd Primary School in Maesteg welcomed some special guests into class recently when Ospreys players Joe Bearman and Nathan Edwards visited.
The pair took time out from their busy training day to accompany Mikey Williams, WRU/Ospreys Participation Officer for the Bridgend District, as part of the ongoing Ospreys Schools Programme, which is seeing hundreds of primary school from across the region into direct contact with the Ospreys each school term.
Joe, one of the senior professionals in the squad, and Nathan, a young Bridgend born centre who made his Ospreys debut earlier this season, spent time with the children in their classroom, taking part in a question and answer session as well as passing on rugby tips, before signing autographs and posing for photos.
Talking about the visit, Joe said:
“It was great to go to Llangynwyd School and spend some time with the children who made us feel very welcome. We are very privileged as professional rugby players and we understand that as role models we have a duty to give something back to the children in our community, which is why it’s important that we play our part in the schools programme.
“To see our region playing such a proactive role in the community and really helping to make a difference to the children is something we can all be proud of, and as players, it’s important that we play a small part to hopefully inspire the next generation of Ospreys.”
The Ospreys Schools Programme was devised in partnership with RWE npower renewables, a leading renewable energy company in Wales, and supported by Sony UK Technology Centre in Pencoed and the WRU. Launched by Leighton Andrews AM, Minster for Education and Skills at the Liberty Stadium last September, the programme’s aim is to reach 3,000 Year 5 and 6 pupils in the region during the academic year.
The first programme of its kind in UK professional rugby, it wasdeveloped with education departments at the three unitary authorities in the region to ensure it satisfies National Curriculum objectives and assists in the development of key skills. The programme covers a wide range of issues including personal welfare and self esteem, the benefits of teamwork and cooperation, collective global environmental responsibility and online safety, as well as promoting a healthy active lifestyle and, of course, rugby.