Bridgend's Street Rugby Finals a success
Wales Rugby League, Safer Bridgend, and Communities First hosted Street Rugby League Finals Day at The Riverside Hardware Brewery Field in Bridgend on Friday 17th September.
Street Rugby League has now become an established programme and has been run during the summer months in the Bridgend Area.
Children from Caerau, Nantymoel, Sarn and Wildmill have been getting involved in weekly training sessions and have competed in three festivals during this summer. The aim of this programme is to reduce anti-social behaviour and to get children involved in physical activity.
During the evenings of the training sessions and festival there were no reports of anti-social behaviour in the four areas that took part.
Since its inception in 2009 over 100 children both boys and girls and 30 volunteers have been involved, bringing the local communities together.
The finals saw all the hard work and commitment come to fruition with the inaugural Street Rugby Finals Day, this for many of the children was the first time they have played on a full pitch, let alone at a major stadium.
Caerau won the tournament after being unbeaten in the round robin tournament then beating Wildmill A in the Final by one try to nil. Wildmill B beat Nantymoel in the Plate Final 3 tries to 2.
The boy of the festival was Nathan Wilkinson and the best performing girl was Amy Leyshon.
Wales Rugby League Community Coach Richard Lewis said: "This was a perfect end to all the hard work that these young people have put in throughout the summer. The standard of rugby that has been played has improved with every festival.
"These young people have worked hard in training and learning new skills, I hope that they take valuable lessons and use them in everyday life. I would like to thank all the volunteers who out in their own time and effort to make this work."
Co-operative Wales Regional Secretary, Mike Ashley-Edwards said: "The Rugby League Streetgames programme is helping young people channel their energies and enthusiasm in a positive and disciplined fashion.
"The Co-operative is delighted to be associated with activity that provides clear benefits to young people in our local communities."
Hannah Richards from Safer Bridgend said: "The Street Rugby finals night was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The teamwork and community spirit was fantastic.
"Playing at the Riverside Hardware Brewery Field was a great honour and experience for the young people involved and rewarding for their commitment to the programme.
"I would like to thank all the agencies and volunteers for their support, hard work and making the Street Rugby 2010 programme a success".
Steve Rees Community Safety Inspector said “The Street Rugby initiative has proven to be a massive success over the last two years. The scheme has taken a “street” version of Rugby League right into the heart of communities enabling young people of both sexes and various ages a means to focus their youthful energies. The scheme has taken team sport directly to young people who might otherwise have never have given it a go. It has been immensely pleasurable to watch today’s tournament. In addition to the standard of rugby which has been of an extremely high standard the youngsters have demonstrated team spirit, discipline and commitment– Invaluable skills which hold them in good stead for the future. The way they’ve pulled together and conducted themselves has been a real credit to their communities. It was also fantastic to see so many community members come along and actively support the players in what has been the highlight of their season. The initiative has proved very successful at reducing Anti Social Behaviour and thanks must go to everyone, especially the community volunteers who’ve helped ensure the smooth running of what has been an excellent scheme.”