Hundreds of boys and girls, from across South Wales and beyond, have engaged with the Ospreys in what has been hailed as the “busiest summer ever” of community action.
- Nine rugby camps held across the region during school summer holiday period
- First ever dedicated girls only camp sold out while senior camp for teenagers proved more popular than ever
- Six community clubs also hosted OITC for special evenings including all mini and junior teams
- Nearly 100 teenagers attended a special Euro camp in Waterloo to coincide with the team's visit to play Belgium
Ospreys in the Community’s team of fully qualified coaches have delivered an unprecedented summer of activity, which has seen them hosting more rugby camps then ever before, including a first ever girls only day, leading special club nights across the region, spending a week at the Royal Welsh Show and even delivering a special four day training camp for European youngsters in Waterloo coinciding with the team’s week away in Belgium.
In addition to hosting the two regular three-day summer camps at Llandarcy Academy of Sport, Banwen RFC and Bridgend College were the venue for two further courses, the latter selling out weeks in advance, while the Ospreys’ training home was also the venue for a Welsh language camp operated in conjunction with the Urdd.
The sold out girls camp at Llandarcy proved especially popular, with young female rugby players travelling from as far afield as North Wales and Newport to experience the chance to learn not only from OITC coaches, but to be inspired by members of the Ospreys and Wales Women squads.
Bridgend Athletic, Bryncoch, Dulais Valley, Goweron, Pencoed and Valley Ravens all participated in club days, where OITC Coaches and Ospreys players delivered a full evening of activity to mini and junior sections, while OITC have also attended events at Cwmgwrach, Morriston and Tonmawr rugby clubs.
Paul Whapham, Foundation Manager, Ospreys in the Community, said:
“It’s been an incredibly busy summer period for the team, our busiest summer ever, and an incredibly successful one as well. We’ve taken Ospreys Rugby out into all corners of the region, engaging with the community, with young rugby players, at an unprecedented level.
“What has been particularly satisfying is that the quality of delivery, and the fun and friendly environment we’ve created, means that word is spreading fast with spaces in our camps being snapped up quickly. That means we have had to look at expanding our offering.
“The first girls only camp was a huge success and we are grateful to the Ospreys and Wales Women for helping us out, showing what fantastic role models they are for young girls with aspirations to follow in their footsteps. Our senior camps were hugely popular as well, with more participants than ever before, while we also delighted to work with the Urdd for a well attended Welsh language session.
“As we look to continue growing our footprint in the community it is essential that we keep working hard to inspire and motivate these boys and girls, to not only encourage an active lifestyle but to develop the next generation of rugby players and supporters, regardless of age, gender or ability. If we can light that spark of passion for rugby, the game at all levels across the region will be stronger.
“We have some big matches coming up at the Liberty Stadium over the next few months and we look forward to seeing some of the children we’ve worked with over the summer at the games with their family.”
