As children across the region make the most of the sunshine on their school holidays, hundreds of youngsters have been enjoying the new-look Ospreys Kids Camps this week.
The Ospreys are hosting a series of camps across the holiday period in conjunction with sponsors RWE npower renewables, where boys and girls ged between six and 11 have been enjoying the opportunity to experience first class coaching from the Community Rugby Development department in a relaxed environment where the emphasis is on fun, learning new rugby skills alongside their friends and getting to know other young Ospreys fans at the same time. For many of those taking part, it is their first ever experience of rugby coaching and, it is hoped, will help to ignite a lifelong passion for the sport.
In addition to the experienced development coaches who always participate in the camps, this year has seen a number of Eyasses, currently part of the Ospreys ‘C’ Group, getting their first chance to experience the environment after they completed the UKCC Level 1 Award in Coaching Rugby Union earlier this year, allowing them to make their first steps on the coaching ladder, working with eager youngsters keen to learn the game.
The highlight for many of the children taking part on the course is always when they meet some of the senior Ospreys players, and according to Adam Jones, who attended one of this week's three camps, the players enjoy it just as much:
“It’s great fun and a fantastic environment to be a part of” he said.
“I really enjoy the Kids Camp and getting to meet some of our youngest fans. It’s always gives the boys a buzz to visit the camp and spend time with the boys and girls, and with so many people attending this year it’s even better. Hopefully the children had a great time, it certainly looked like they were. If it helps bring them closer to the Ospreys then everyone is a winner.”
Regional Community Manager, Ben Rose, said:
“The Kids Camps have always been a really popular part of the Ospreys calendar, and this year it’s been busier than ever with even more children taking part.
"Many of the children who attend these camps don't get the opportunity to play at school or with a club, so this is chance for them to pick up a rugby ball and learn the game. Development from within is a key element of the long term vision for the region, which is why these camps are so important. While for most of those involved rugby will always be about fun and enjoyment, which is how it should be, there will always be some with the potential to go on and become future Ospreys, so while the emphasis is, and will always be, about enjoyment, activities are tailored to ensure that any individuals displaying the right characteristics will be identified by our team of Development Officers.
"Ultimately though, we want participants to have fun, and to develop a lifelong passion for the Ospreys. We want every child in our region to feel that they can become an Osprey, be it a player, coach, administrator or a fan, we believe strongly that there is a role for everybody to play in the Ospreys’ long term success."
Places are still available on the following camps
Mon 25 & Tues 26 April, Llandarcy Academy of Sport
Thurs 28 & Fri 29 April, Llandarcy Academy of Sport
All two-day courses cost £50 per person
To apply for a place please download and complete the application form before scanning it and returning it to kidscamps@ospreysrugby.com.