Festival fun aims to future-proof the game

More than 100 children are expected to flock to Croesy for a bumper celebration of minis and juniors rugby when the doors open at 10am today.
 
Representing teams from Merthyr to Usk, children from U7s to U16s will get their chance to shine on the pitch with the opportunity to play a minimum of half a game. 
 
The kids join 2000 others nationwide playing fun and inclusive Sunday rugby, as part of the WRU’s drive to retain the record levels of minis and juniors participating in the game.    
 
Festival hosts, Croesy, signed up to Half A Game with one eye on the club’s future, which they believe will benefit from equal playing opportunities for the younger generation.  
 
“Minis and juniors rugby is not only a big part of our history, it is also our future,” said Kate. “We encourage children to join us at U7s and want them to all enjoy their rugby so they stay with us all the way through to youth and senior.
 
“We’ve fully embraced the Half A Game initiative as a way of making sure that every child gets the opportunity to play and enjoy rugby on a Sunday morning. Seeing so many kids with a smile on their face and a ball in their hands is why we do this!”
 
Speaking of today’s event, she added: “Our players and coaches are really enthusiastic about the Half A Game initiative and are looking forward to welcoming the other teams along to our club to join in promoting it. Hopefully as a result we will see more children playing rugby and enjoying across Wales.”
 
Also in the Dragons region, Bedwas play host to Blackwood with all minis section (U7s to U11s) playing at Bridgefield today. Everyone can join the #HalfAGame conversation on social media via the WRU’s Community Twitter @WRU_Community, where clubs are encouraged to share their photos.