Students on the Cardiff Blues Rugby Education Course got a special behind the scenes tour of the region's training base and specifically designed sessions from the backroom team during a recent visit.
Cardiff Blues has this academic year rolled out a new education programme, in conjunction with TVS Education, aimed at students aged between 16 and 18 at local schools.
The course entails a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport; equivalent to 3 A-Levels, and a Technical Rugby Programme; eight hours a week of practical rugby coaching delivery, coach education and mentoring, delivered by Cardiff Blues.
Over 50 pupils currently undertaking the course at our three education centres – based at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, Aberdare Community School and Crickhowell High School – recently visited the region’s training base at The Vale Resort near Cardiff.
Students were given a tour of the facilities by Billy Millard, General Manager at Cardiff Blues, before taking part in sessions throughout the day.
Jarrad Griffiths and Chris Berry (analysis), Ben Warburton (physiotherapy), Dan Akenhead (nutrition), Paul John and Duane Goodfield (skills sessions) and Robin Sowden-Taylor (strength and conditioning) all ran programmes during the day.
Nadine Griffiths, Cardiff Blues Community Manager, said: "The visit to The Vale training base was a fantastic opportunity for the students on the Cardiff Blues Rugby Education Course and I know they all really enjoyed what was a very productive and interesting day.
“The visit gave the students a valuable insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes at a professional sporting environment and also the opportunities and range of roles that are open to them to work in sports club in their future careers."
Want to know more about the Cardiff Blues Rugby Education Course and get involved during the next academic year? For more information on the course email [email protected] visit www.cardiffbluesrepc.com or follow @blues_repc on twitter.