The Ospreys Community Rugby Development team has been busy throughout the first half term of this school year, running a series of successful festivals across Swansea aimed at encouraging schools and clubs to start playing regularly, with over 1000 children participating over the series of events.
The festivals kicked of with Yr 8 and Yr 9 tournaments held at Penyrheol Comprehensive School and YGG Bryn Tawe, with 11 schools participating at both events from throughout the Swansea area.
This was followed by a Yr 7 festival hosted by Olchfa Comprehensive School, which proved to be the biggest event held this half term with 13 schools participating. The event was organised in conjunction with the School by Yr 11 sports studies students as part of their course.
Will Thomas, a teacher from Gowerton Comprehensive school, commented: “The tournaments were a great success from our point of view, they were well organised and the kids loved them.”
In between each of these comprehensive school events, the primary schools from Swansea were invited to play friendly games against each other at a series of Yr 5/6 Ospreys Fun Festivals. More than 40 schools participated at the four events, which were, held on City & County of Swansea playing fields at Elba, Mynydd Newydd, Tir Canol and Ashleigh Road.
Ben Rose, Swansea Rugby Development Officer, said: “Primary School is where I remember playing my first games of rugby. I hope that children will have enjoyed participating in these events and will be encouraged to join club in order to continue playing the game.”
Despite the busy schools programme, the rugby clubs of Swansea have not been left out. Fall Bay RFC hosted the first tournament of the year for U12’s children. The hosts Fall Bay, Penclawdd and Dunvant finished level on points with Dunvant being crowned champions thanks to a better try count. The next clubs festival is for U13’s on 15th November at Waunarlwydd RFC.
More similar events are organised for the primary schools after half term to try and continue their enjoyment, while it is hoped that the comprehensive schools and clubs will continue to play regularly now after this encouraging start to the season.