The group of youngsters, from Bryn Celynnog, Holywell, Ystalyfera, Coleg Sir Gar and Lewis School, are all part of The Prince’s Trust xl club at there various schools, which provides personal development for students at risk of underachieving or exclusion.
The group are all taking part in the xl rugby initiative, funded by Balfour Beatty, in partnership with the WRU. The initiative, run as part of The Prince’s Trust xl programme, uses rugby to improve self-esteem, confidence and communication skills.
The five schools in Wales taking part in the initiative, which offers tag rugby sessions delivered by professional WRU community coaches, as well as courses on rugby coaching, nutrition and team work, were in attendance at the Millennium Stadium this morning.
“WRU Coach Development Officers have played a vital role in the delivery of these courses and we’re delighted to support the Prince’s Trust,” said Gerry Roberts, WRU Coach Development Manager.
“It’s important the WRU takes rugby to all parts of the community and this is a vital way of doing just that.”
After watching Wales train, children from the programme had the chance to meet Wales and British & Irish Lions lock Ian Evans for a question and answer session.
Gerry O’Sullivan, who manages the xl programme at The Prince’s Trust Cymru, said: “The rugby initiative harnesses the powerful appeal of the game to help retain the young people in school, whilst using the game’s team-based ethics to help the young people build confidence and develop new skills.”
This year the xl programme is supporting more than 500 young people aged between 13 and 19 in Wales. The clubs help young people to re-engage with learning, improving grades, attendance and motivation.
The Prince’s Trust helps change young lives. The Trust works with young people who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law. In Wales, 3,500 young people are supported each year through its programmes. Three in four young people supported by The Trust move into work, education or training.
