A dream came true for a Denbigh rugby team as they ‘scored’ a once-in-a-lifetime training opportunity with their Welsh sporting heroes
A dream came true for a Denbigh rugby team as they ‘scored’ a once-in-a-lifetime training opportunity with Welsh sporting heroes Leigh Halfpennny, Rhys Webb, Neil Jenkins and Robin McBride in an exclusive full day training session, courtesy of leading energy provider, SWALEC.
Clwb Rygbi Dinbych's U14s rugby side were hailed 2011/12 winners in SWALEC’s Junior Stars competition and were invited to the WRU’s National Centre of Excellence to meet their rugby idols, have one-on-one coaching sessions and learn from their professional experiences – all of which is hoped to stand them in good stead for seasons to come.
The competition was launched last November by SWALEC and the WRU and invited nominations from clubs, schools, parents and other supporters to identify outstanding Under 13, 14 or 15 Welsh rugby teams. Four lucky teams were selected from more than 35 applications and were chosen for their dedication both on and off the pitch.
Welsh international and Cardiff Blues player, Leigh Halfpenny, was on hand throughout the day and commented: “The SWALEC Junior Stars initiative is a great way of rewarding these budding rugby players for their hard work, as the future of the sport is in their hands. I’m thrilled to have spent the day teaching them about my own experiences which I hope they can use to further their own game.
“The teams should all be extremely proud of themselves for receiving such recognition through SWALEC’s Junior Stars – I am delighted to have been a part of it. It’s a great way of supporting and giving something back to the grassroots of the game.”
The four teams spent the day being put through their paces under the guidance of the Wales rugby greats. They spent time undergoing an energetic training session on the national team’s training pitch before putting questions to the players and coaches.
Iwan Johnson from Clwb Rygbi Dinbych's U14s side said: “As a team we were so excited to win the Junior Stars competition and today has been great. Training with the players and coaches has been amazing – we have learnt so much. We will take it all back to our club and hope that we can do our team and supporters proud next season.”
Gerallt Evans, team coach at Clwb Rygbi Dinbych's U14s, said of their win: “The young players were thrilled to meet their Welsh rugby heroes, who they have followed avidly throughout their World Cup and Six Nations campaigns this season. The players and coaches are very grateful to the Welsh Rugby Union and SWALEC for offering this golden opportunity for youngsters at the grassroots to have this inspirational experience.”
Jonny Petrie, head of sponsorship for SWALEC said: “As a leading energy supplier in Wales, we are committed to supporting the communities that we work in.
“Through SWALEC’s Junior Stars initiative we hope to reward those teams that show commitment both on and off the field. The winning teams should be proud of themselves and we wish them every luck for the future.”
SWALEC has renewed its sponsorship with the WRU as its National Community Partner until 2015. The four-year agreement will see SWALEC invest significantly to support community rugby in Wales and continue as the National Leagues and Cup Sponsor.
For more information on how SWALEC support rugby in Wales visit www.swalec.co.uk/rugby and follow @SWALEC on Twitter.
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