Street rugby league festival 25/06/10

Just like last year’s events that were organised by the Crusaders, there will be weekly training sessions involving rugby skills and other forms of fitness to keep the young people interested.

Each of the areas will then hold street rugby festivals where they will compete for the winners place in the league table. All the Street Rugby League training and games will be held in open community spots such as local parks, making it more accessible for youngsters to get involved. All ages and abilities are invited to take part.

The first festival this Friday is being held at Waterton at 5.30pm.

Mark Jones, the development manager for Wales Rugby League said: “Building from the success of Street Rugby League in 2009, Wales Rugby League, Safer Bridgend, Street Games and Communities First have been working hard behind the scenes to improve the league for all programme.

“This year, teams will compete in a series of tournaments culminating in a Finals day in September, I am looking forward to a very competitive series with more children benefiting from a positive experience which this programme facilitates.”

Hannah Richards of Safer Bridgend said “We are hoping that, by building on the success of last year’s Street Rugby League initiative in Sarn, Caerau, Wildmill and Nantymoel, we can engage with even more young people who may not have had the chance to participate.

“The goal for us has been to reduce anti-social behaviour and to get children involved in physical activity. Friday’s festival will be the first of four we have planned over the coming months and we are hoping that by participating in these festivals the young people will be encouraged to continue their involvement in sport and build on the new skills they have learnt.”