The Ospreys and Mumbles CC have confirmed that next month’s charity 20/20 clash will be a fundraiser for Sports Chaplaincy UK, a registered charity that provides pastoral care to sports organisations.
Thousands of pounds have been raised for good causes since the annual challenge match was first held in 2009, with this year’s contest in aid of an organisation that already has close ties with the Ospreys.
Rev. Steve Jones is the charity’s Director in Wales, serving as volunteer Sports Chaplain to the Ospreys for the last six seasons, and he says that Sports Chaplaincy UK is honoured to have been chosen as the beneficiary.
“There is a growing demand from sports clubs in Wales for the type of specialist pastoral and welfare support provided by chaplains to players, coaches, supporters and their families. The past few seasons have seen a number of new sports chaplains appointed at rugby clubs in Wales, and there is a chaplain in place at both Bridgend and Swansea RFCs.
“The funds raised and donated will contribute to the continued development of sports chaplaincy arrangements within Welsh rugby and in the wider sporting landscape in our land. Charitable donations such as this from the cricket match make this development work possible.”
Ospreys Chief Executive, Andrew Hore, added:
“We are delighted to be able to confirm Sports Chaplaincy UK as the named charity for this year’s cricket match against Mumbles. We take the holistic welfare and development of our players very seriously, particularly in the case of youngsters who may need some help and guidance to deal with difficulties they may be facing in their day-to-day life. The work that Rev Steve does for the Ospreys is extremely important, and he is playing a big part in helping to shape the future of the region.
“His duties with the age-grade teams involve supporting the young Ospreys and their families with off-field issues, particularly in times of difficulty and crisis, and he is also there to assist with any players or staff members in the senior group who may need someone to talk to. You can’t underestimate the value of the work that he does within our environment, work that is replicated by Sports Chaplaincy UK at sports clubs right across the country.
“Our annual charity cricket match has become a well established fixture in the summer calendar, providing a wonderful evening of sporting entertainment for a good cause. We look forward to seeing our supporters getting behind this event in big numbers once again to raise some money for a good cause.”
This year’s game is on Friday 1st August, with the first ball scheduled for 4pm.
Mumbles Cricket Club's history extends over 100 years and today it fields three League XIs on Saturdays and eight Junior League and Cup sides. The 1st XI competes in the South Wales Premier Cricket League. Having finished as runners-up in 2013, the Club went one better last year, clinching the Premier League title with a game to spare. In 2008, the club was awarded with the prestigious ECB Clubmark accreditation. The Marespool ground has Minor Counties status after hosting one-day cup fixtures for Wales, and will be hosting Glamorgan’s 2nd XI for their 3 Day Championship game against Hampshire at the end of August.
Any teams wanting to explore the possibility of having a volunteer sports chaplain attached to their club can contact Steve at steve.jones@sportschaplaincy.org.uk.
Pictured above are Sam Davies with Mumbles Cricket Captain Chris Nelson (Right) and Rev. Steve Jones (Left) ahead of next month's charity cricket match.