Cardiff Blues rugby development officer for the Vale of Glamorgan, Matt Silva, first initiated discussions to set up a Barry College Rugby Team in October 2005 and this has now come to fruition around 18 months later.
This is all thanks to the commitment of the college, support of volunteers, the guidance from Rugby Development and interest from enthusiastic students.
As part of their set up, one of the volunteers is now attending a Level 2 Rugby Coaching Award to be completed in April through the Rugby Development Department.
Matt also put Barry College in touch with another local club - Llantwit Major RFC, and they kindly donated kit until Barry College could purchase their own.
Meanwhile Barry College Rugby team were successful in securing Sports Council for Wales Community Chest Funding of £750. This has been allocated to assist with purchasing their own kit and equipment.
This is a fantastic opportunity for young players aged 16-19 to carry on playing rugby in the Vale and hopefully will attract new students to the college.
Matt will continue to mentor those involved in rugby at Barry College and the team will use the facility at the Colcot Sports Centre and play friendly games. As the season approaches in September 2007 to May 2008, Barry College Rugby team will then consider joining the Senior Schools league to play more competitively. Talk is also of the College considering opening a Rugby Academy in the very near future.
For more information on Rugby Development in the Vale of Glamorgan you can contact Matt Silva by telephoning 01446 704603.