A dream will come true for the junior sides from Treherbert, Tondu, Beddau and Newcastle Emlyn in April when they join members of Warren Gatland’s Welsh international coaching staff, as well as a host of international players at the WRU National Centre of Excellence for a full day training session.
Treherbert Under 14s, Tondu Under 15s, Beddau Under 15s and Newcastle Emlyn’s Under 14s, have been selected to be SWALEC’s 2011 ‘Junior Stars’ for exceptional displays of fundraising, equality, overcoming adversity and participation.
The selection panel of WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development Joe Lydon, Alan Williams, SWALEC Director of Energy Sales, and Ryan Jones, SWALEC’s brand ambassador, were extremely impressed by the high standard of nominations received and believe that the training session is a great way to reward these children who week-in week-out fuel grassroots rugby.
Wales international player, Ryan Jones, commented, “This is a great opportunity to showcase and recognise the teams who are really contributing to their club, school or community, and help them gain some valuable experience. I am delighted to be associated with the SWALEC brand and help fuel their objectives in developing young talent and rewarding sporting efforts in the community.
“Junior teams are the backbone of our game for the future – what a great opportunity for them, a real one-off experience.”
WRU Head of Rugby Joe Lydon, commented: “The WRU is well aware of the great contribution made by young players who add enthusiasm and energy to grassroots rugby. The players in these junior sides are the future of our game and it’s vital that we continue to encourage and support their efforts both on and off the rugby pitch.”
SWALEC’s Director of Energy Sales, Alan Williams said: “All the teams have demonstrated that they are worthy winners, with excellent fundraising activities, team commitment and equality being prominent on their applications.
The SWALEC Junior Stars is one of a handful of community initiatives launched by SWALEC in a bid to support the communities in which we serve and it is always a pleasure to judge.”
SWALEC’s four-year partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union commenced at the start of the 2008/2009 season. The sponsorship supports community rugby across Wales from the U20 and U18 international pathway teams through to the SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions and the SWALEC Leagues.
