Dan Owens, WRU Coach Development Officer for the Ospreys region, led the session which saw 9 young offenders introduced to some basic coaching skills they could use in the future.
During this project, Police community support officers (PCSO’s) and Prison Officers were trained as tag leaders and level one coaches. The secondary role was to act as a point of contact and support for members of the inmate community who are leaving prison to reduce the risk of re-offending in the community and engage them in relevant leadership opportunities.
“The WRU have built strong links with Parc Prison and the South Wales Police force over the past six years,” said Owens.
“My recent involvement with Parc Prison has taken the next logical step, working directly with the inmates and prison guards. When I have worked there, the inmates take the opportunity to develop further skills to utilise during their time within and upon departure from Parc Prison.
“They have an immensely positive attitude towards the experience, and engage with me fully to maximise the rewards it can offer them.”
Jason Bekker, Physical Education Manager at Parc Prison also believes the scheme has been a great success and hopes it will continue into the future.
“We strongly believe that sport can inspire our prisoners to transform their lives by improving their confidence and helping them to feel part of a team,” he said.
“Our partnership with the WRU builds on this, helping us to offer opportunities linked to rugby within our local communities. This kind of training can help our prisoners to rebuild their lives, become an active member of their local community and avoid re-offending on their return to society outside prison.
“This course gave the prisoners a better understanding of how to coach and organise rugby, especially among junior players. Around 40% of the prisoners have indicated they would like to coach a junior section on release which is a positive outcome.
While developing the fundamental knowledge surrounding the introductory stage of the rugby coaching and participation pathway, those taking part in the course were encouraged to develop planning, organisation and leadership skills that will stand them in good stead for their departure from prison.
And Mr Bekker knows how beneficial such schemes can be.
“A hobby or interest can often help prisoners to reform by building skills such as confidence, self-esteem and most importantly an accredited, recognised qualification,” he said.
