It was a big night for many young rugby players in Cardiff last Friday as the Arms Park welcomed children from four schools participating in the Capital Rugby scheme.
Before the Cardiff Blues versus Leinster Lions game, ten pupils from each of the four schools took centre stage in a rugby exhibition to demonstrate the skills they have learned from the regular visits by Capital Rugby coaches.
The junior schools Ysgol Melin Gruffydd, Grangetown, Ysgol St Curig and Rhiwbina, represented four of the six development areas of Capital Rugby and were accompanied on the Arms Park pitch by their area development officers.
Development Officer Gruff Rees said,
I believe the pupils from Rhiwbina Junior School have been looking forward to tonight for some time. I dont think they could wait to get on in front of the crowd to show them what they could do.
Following the half hour coaching session, it was time for the main event, as Cardiff Blues hosted Leinster Lions in the Celtic League. The young players enjoyed the first half from the Family Stand at the Arms Park, but their moment in the spotlight was not yet over.
As half-time approached the pupils were ready to take to the field again. Firstly, for successfully completing the skills presentation they received their certificates from Mark Crocker and Louise Hurley, representatives of Black Horse, official supporters of Capital Rugby and from Steve Morris, Sports Development Manager, Cardiff County Council.
Steve Morris said,
The council are pleased to contribute to the development of junior rugby and particularly the Capital Rugby scheme.
Following the presentations the pupils were then split into their four schools to take part in a TAG rugby match across the famous Arms Park turf.
Senior Development Officer John Huw Williams said,
It was an excellent opportunity for the Cardiff Blues supporters to see first hand the skills we teach to the children and for the children to participate in a game they really enjoy in front of so many people. I hope the supporters enjoyed the occasion as much as the children enjoyed playing TAG rugby.
This October Half Term there is more rugby coaching for young players to enjoy at Canton RFC. Take part in a fun packed morning learning new rugby skills with the Capital Rugby coaches. The course is FREE to all junior Cardiff Blues members and £5 to non-members. The course has once again been split into two days for two age groups. Juniors aged 6-10 are invited to come along on Monday 27th October and ages 11-16 are welcome on Tuesday 28th October. To reserve your place please call 029 2030 2000.
Following the launch of the new rugby structure in Wales, it is a positive step to stage the course at a club within the Cardiff region, and hope that this trend of working with clubs within the community can be continued in future years.