The Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation have just signed off their busiest summer to date, creating a real impact throughout the region as they bid to ensure a Jersey For All.
The charitable, not for profit community arm of Cardiff Rugby have ran a number of programmes and initiatives, giving rugby opportunities to people of all backgrounds, irrespective of age, ability or gender.
Covering five unitary authorities, 16 Community First cluster areas, 76 community clubs, 61 secondary schools and 320 primary schools, the ever-committed team of community coaches have delivered 72 events over the summer holidays.
From organising camps and programmes to supporting local events - such as Pride Cymru, the Queen’s Baton Race and a long-awaited return to the Royal Welsh Show - there was no rest for a community team that has worked tirelessly over the summer and will now return to delivering initiatives in local schools and clubs.
Camps were held at local clubs in various corners of the region while the team also supported the free Fit and Fed camps, designed to use rugby in a bid to ease the burden of holiday hunger for thousands of families at various deprived areas.
More than 38,000 people in total engaged with the Community Foundation over the summer, with first team and academy players also attending and showing their support for the charity on a regular basis.
The Cardiff VI and Wheelchair rugby teams continue to make it possible for people with disabilities to wear and represent the Blue and Blacks’ jersey with pride, and the Community Foundation played a key role in ensuring the success of this year’s Summerfest, which welcomed more than 500 people to the Arms Park for a fun-filled day.
Director of the Community Foundation, Nadine Griffiths, explained: “From Brecon to Barry, we can be really proud not only of the volume of work we’ve delivered but also of the quality and variation of our work throughout the summer months and beyond.
“The work rate of all community coaches does not go unnoticed, and they play an invaluable role in ensuring that we make an impact within our local community.
“On a daily basis, we see the impact that these programmes have within the community, and that only goes to justify the hard work behind the scenes. While we’re always proud of nominations or awards, the real satisfaction of our work comes on the day-to-day impact we witness at first hand.
“As our calendar continues to grow, we’re also able to recruit more aspiring coaches, giving them opportunities to develop professionally. We’re proud to have officers in each of the five unitary authorities, as well as officers who specialise in promoting disability and women’s rugby.
“Our achievements wouldn’t be possible without significant fundraising efforts from dedicated people, and we really appreciate that support. While we raised a lot of money through more high profile events such as the bike ride to Paris, hospitality events on international weekends and the golf trip in association with the Wasps Foundation, the daily donations we receive online - as well as when we’re out on the road - play a huge part in helping us reach our goals and break new records.
“Over the summer we enjoyed working alongside valued partners such as Princess Gate, Cardiff and Vale College, the Welsh Rugby Union, local rugby clubs and local emergency services to ensure we were able to cover as much ground as possible and impact as many people as possible.
“The work doesn’t stop now, and we’ll head back into the schools and local clubs as well as being at the Arms Park on matchdays! With the Community Foundation zone at the stadium continuing to grow and develop, we love to see as many people joining us on matchday, and feel free to come to chat with us to learn more about the charity.”
We're extremely proud to see Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation making a real difference within the community, but support for the charity is crucial to their achievements. For further details on how to support please click HERE.