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Award boost for Vale rugby
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| AWARD: Vale of Glamorgan Council rugby development officer Matt Silva (back row, right) and Future Blues co-ordinator Nadine Griffiths (back row, left) are pictured with back row, from left: '5x60' officer Ben Williams, and Lucy Whale and Stuart Clarke, who will work with the Dragon Sport initiative. Front: Darren Deguara, who will work with Sully RFC and St Richard Gwyn RC Comprehensive School, Lisa Jordan, who works as a Dragon Sport team volunteer, Joe Gallivan, who will also work with Sully RFC and St Richard Gwyn, and '5x60' officer Michelle Davies. |
SEVEN volunteers have successfully tackled a new course to help boost rugby development opportunities in the Vale of Glamorgan.
In a joint initiative involving the Vale council's rugby development and Dragon Sport teams, the group achieved their goal of earning the Welsh Rugby Union Community Tag Rugby Award.
Based at the Holm View Leisure Centre in Barry, the course was run by Matt Silva, the council's Future Blues' and rugby development officer, who was assisted by Future Blues co-ordinator Nadine Griffiths. Nadine, who works closely with primary schools, has won 44 caps playing for the Welsh women's team.
Dragon Sport mainly recruit volunteers from sixth forms and parent and grandparent groups to work in primary schools and community clubs promoting eight key sports, one of which is rugby, for seven to 11-year-olds.
Tag rugby, which is a safe and exciting form of the sport, can be played without scrums and line-outs with seven-a-side teams. It offers the perfect introduction to mini competitions for school children at leagues or festivals.
The award has been designed for new or existing coaches and teachers involved within tag rugby at under-8s club level or within primary schools. It allows new coaches to deliver safe and enjoyable sessions focusing on basic skills such as running and passing.
Matt said: "We try to offer volunteers, such as sixth formers, a first step on the rugby coaching ladder. This helps ensure consistency across clubs and schools in the Vale, and allows us to focus on coaching development that will ultimately produce better players.
"Each year, volunteers devote their own time and energy to rugby. This may involve coaching, providing transport, administration or kit washing. They simply do this for the love of rugby and dedication to their community. Their support is invaluable."
The council's Dragon Sport officer, Rachel McGuinness, said: "Volunteers need no experience in sport as support is provided in roles such as administration, team managership and coaching. Training, equipment and resources are all provided. We would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in assisting."
For more information on rugby or volunteering, contact Matt Silva on 01446 704603 or Rachel McGuinness on 01446 704681. Alternatively, visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/sportsdevelopment.
11:15am Thursday 14th February 2008
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CommentPosted by: Katie, La Crosse on 4:45pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Good Job!!!!!!!
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