Ospreys in the Community has appointed Dorian Evans to lead the ‘TACKLE’ project on behalf of the region.
- Dorian will lead the 'TACKLE' project for Ospreys in the Community
- 'TACKLE' is a ground-breaking joint project between the four pro teams in Wales and PRW, funded by BT Sport's The Supporters Club
- The scheme will support 14-16 year olds in developing new skills so that they are ready to gain employment or enter further education post-school.
Funded by BT Sport’s charitable initiative, The Supporters Club, ‘TACKLE’ is a ground-breaking joint project between the four professional teams in Wales and Pro Rugby Wales, delivering an inspiring new rugby education engagement programme to young people in Wales’ most deprived areas.
The investment in community activity further builds upon BT’s significant partnership and support of all four Welsh rugby regions as main sponsor since 2014.
‘TACKLE’ is The Supporters Club key sports engagement initiative in Wales as part of its aim to create a better future for young people facing incredibly tough challenges. The project will see community teams taking popular inflatable ‘cage rugby’ sessions to young people in Communities First areas in Wales combining fun, action-packed rugby sessions with education pathways and mentoring sessions.
As part of the pilot programme, OitC will initially engage with three comprehensive schools in the region, using rugby to inspire disengaged young people aged 14 – 16, and support them in developing new skills so that they are ready to gain employment or enter further education post-school.
Originally from St Dogmaels in Pembrokeshire, where he first developed an interest in rugby with Cardigan RFC, Evans graduated from Glamorgan University in Sports Studies.
A Neath and Ospreys supporter with a background in sports coaching, he worked as an Active Young People officer in comprehensive schools across Swansea and was a facilitator for the Young Ambassador scheme in Swansea for two years, as well as spending time as a Teaching Assistant in a number of local primary schools.
Paul Whapham, Foundation Manager, Ospreys in the Community, said:
“TACKLE is a key initiative for all four regions thanks to the support of The Supporters Club and we are delighted to welcome Dorian to the newly created role of Tackle Co-ordinator.
“Linking with education and careers partner, Careers Wales, ‘TACKLE’ aims to help disaffected young people with clear education and personal development options; helping improve self-confidence, school attainment and employability skills.
“Cage rugby provides a way to access and engage these youngsters, combining the fun, physical activity with a meaningful, accessible and engaging education programme, delivered by Careers Wales. We also aim to engage with local businesses to inspire young people and give them options for future career choices.
“Dorian’s role is an exciting one that can have a huge impact across the local community in the coming years.”
Ospreys in the Community is a not-for-profit foundation that was recently granted charitable status by Charity Commission, one year after it was formally launched.
Although OitC shares a strong relationship with the Ospreys, and forms a key part of the region’s long-term business strategy, it operates on an entirely independent basis to the professional rugby organisation.
Working in conjunction with commercial partners, public sector bodies and third sector agencies to generate financial support and resources, the aim of Ospreys in the Community is to create a vibrant and sustainable Foundation that utilises the undoubted power of the Ospreys brand, and players, in a positive fashion, to harness social good and make an impact in communities.
