Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
A significant concern has arisen about the prospects of rugby in Wales following the cuts to the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) hub officer program. The program, which stationed officers in schools and colleges nationwide, aimed to boost the sport by inspiring young people to participate. One coach expressed fears that the decision to eliminate these officers would adversely affect grassroots clubs, particularly those catering to girls, making it challenging to attract players.
The WRU first established a network of rugby hub officers in 2014 with the primary objective of nurturing the game at a grassroots level in Wales. Their duties involved engaging with schools and higher education institutions to introduce youngsters to rugby. Tudur Roberts, who coaches Nant Conwy Rugby Club’s under-16s girls’ team, emphasized the vital role played by Ifan, their local hub officer, in recruiting new players for the club on a regular basis.
Earlier this year, the WRU opted to cease funding for the program as part of a restructuring plan aimed at saving £5m. Tudur expressed deep concern about the potential ramifications of this decision, stressing the importance of grassroots initiatives in fueling the player pipeline. Concurrently, as Wales embarks on their Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign against Scotland, Nant Conwy Rugby Club will beam with pride as four former players don the Welsh jersey.
Ela, a 13-year-old player at Nant Conwy, reiterated the significance of hub officers in providing opportunities for girls to excel in rugby, lamenting the imminent loss. Responding to the funding cuts, the club has initiated a fundraising drive to retain their hub officer, highlighting the community’s commitment to safeguarding youth participation in the sport. With uncertainty looming over the future intake of players, especially in rural regions, the club remains hopeful that sustainable solutions will secure the development of rugby across Wales in the long run
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.