The Future Blues Programme within the North of the region has kicked off in fine style.
Community coaches from the Blues Academy, University of Glamorgan, and Merthyr College have started to enter schools throughout the North of the region delivering a five week block of TAG rugby coaching. During these five weeks the programme will include the basic skills needed for TAG rugby, evasive running, passing and decision-making.
Alongside these sessions, all the schools that take part in the programme are invited to regional TAG Festivals throughout the year. Kicking us off this year was a tournament at the Rhydycar Leisure Centre in Merthyr where 8 schools entered from throughout the borough to battle against the elements and each other. The following week it was the turn of Michael Sobells Sports Centre in Aberdare to host another 8 teams from Cynon Valley.
With the half term break it gave a chance for the community coaches to have a break from refereeing and organising the TAG festivals before the tournaments were back in full swing at the Maritime Astroturf, Pontypridd. Teams from Pontypridd Town entered and were fortunate to have the best of the weather and showed off their talents expertly. The final TAG tournament of this round of fixtures was held at the New Astroturf at Garth Olwg School, Church Village. Fourteen teams from Tonteg to Brynna entered and dodged the showers to put on a feast of running rugby.
Many thanks to all who took part and Dragon Sport and Unitary Authorities who helped organise each tournament- I hope to see you all, plus a few more, for festivals early next year. Pupils who entered the tournament were from:
Merthyr: Ysgol y Graig, Caedraw Primary, Bedlinog Primary, Mount Pleasant Primary, Trelewis Primary, Gwernllyn Junior School, Pantysgallog Primary and YGG Santes Tudful.
Cynon Valley: Pengeulan Primary, Oaklands Primary, Penywaun Primary, Llwydcoed Primary and Glenboi Primary.
Pontypridd: Maes y coed Primary, YGG Evan James, Parc Lewis Primary, Craig yr Hesg Primary and Trehopcyn Primary.
Garth Olwg: Llaniltud Fardref Primary, Gwauncelyn Primary, YGG Castellau, Dolau Primary, Brynna Primary, Llanharan Primary and Llanhari Primary.