In a game-changing initiative aimed at combating anti-social behaviour, Ospreys in the Community, in conjunction with the South Wales Police and Bridgend Youth Support, is excited to announce an innovative new project, ‘TACKLE After Dark’.
The programme, will see OitC host rugby drop-in sessions in various urban locations at Bridgend, including car parks and other open areas. The project is set to tackle anti-social behaviour head-on through positive engagement, whilst fostering stronger connections within the community.
Given Rugby's storied history in Wales and its knack for instilling discipline, teamwork, and respect, this project leapfrogs traditional methods for curbing anti-social behaviour. Instead, it channels those potential energies into something constructive for attendees.
The sessions, which will commence shortly, will be attended by Bridgend Youth Support members and open to any young person who wishes to participate, irrespective of their background or skill level.
The pilot phase will take place in Bridgend at deliberately selected locations where the programme can offer the greatest opportunity for positive social change. Sport has the proven ability to provide opportunity, belonging and support to young people, and TACKLE After Dark looks to utilise the power of sport to initiate change in our community.
Nick White, Education and Participation Manager for OitC, said: ‘We’re proud and excited to be working alongside South Wales Police & Bridgend Youth Support on this programme. As we launch our latest initiative, utilising the power of rugby as a strategic tool to engage and empower young individuals, our focus extends beyond the field
By integrating the core values of teamwork, discipline, and respect inherent in rugby, this program seeks to not only enhance young people abilities but also cultivate a sense of responsibility for their local community. This approach aims to contribute to a community where anti-social behaviour diminishes in the wake of structured development and collective responsibility."
Sergeant Daniel Parry from South Wales Police said, “We are really looking forward to working with the Ospreys in the Community team and other partners on this exciting new project.
“We have done these types of engagement activities across Bridgend and Maesteg in the past, and they have been really successful, and I am confident that with the added involvement of the OitC team, we can attract even more at risk children and teenagers to engage and do our best to deter them away from anti-social behaviour.”
These sessions will run across the area right through to Christmas and beyond and we are excited about the positive impact it’ll have on young people in these communities.”
Together, we hope for a safer, healthier, more integrated community — one rugby pass at a time.
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