6/3/2006

Having booked their place in the Powergen Cup final following a thrilling encounter with Bath in the Millennium Stadium semi-final, Llanelli Scarlets are making sure the entire community region reap the rewards of their good fortune. Focussing on the grass-roots game, the club is opening up opportunities to enjoy and play the game with an innovative programme of events.

And with a region that spreads across West, Mid and North Wales, the game looks set to widen its appeal some distance as Llanelli RFC embarks on its community programme.

Clothing firm Kooga has expanded sponsorship to the grass-roots game. The £15,000 in kind sponsorship offer has been match funded by the Sports Council for Wales Sportsmatch Cymru scheme, and is complemented with £16,400 club investment, taking total community investment to £46,400

Rugby is set to flourish in the region's schools and communities, with up to 5,600 children in line to reap the benefits of an array of activities over the coming year.

11 to 13 year-olds will be the target of the Scarlets School Cup in a bid to stem the drop off rate in pre-teens. With around 60% of children throwing in the towel because of lack of resources and man power, the Cup will hone in on those that don’t quite make the school team but still have a passion to play. 72 secondary schools will compete in a region wide-tournament, to culminate in a ‘Finals’ day in Stradey Park. The pilot is to be extended in year two with the development of a girls version. By year three the club has set itself the target of bringing in up to 7,000 children.

Children as young as seven are invited to get in on the action too with the invasion game Tag Rugby. Helping to perfect pitch activities, teachers will benefit from training, resources and equipment to give pupils the very best head start. As well as kick starting their sporting skills with basic catching, throwing and running, the Scarlet aspirants will be well versed in all-round healthy living to develop their understanding of the effects and benefits of exercise on the body.

Pushing funds further, the programme is also developing a Rugby in the Community initiative targeting disadvantaged youths. Proving that Rugby is a game for everyone, the programme will engage disabled youngsters and those from areas of multiple deprivation. Star Scarlets players will be drafted in to inspire and challenge, delivering the message that sport builds teamwork, leadership, fitness, excellence and fun.

Richard Jones, Community Marketing Manager for Llanelli Scarlets said: “As the largest sports club in the area, the Scarlets have the potential to impact on the lives of those living within the community. We aim to engage groups in a healthy and constructive lifestyle, and hope to build confidence in our young people and divert them from being drawn into anti-social behaviour.�

Chair of the Sports Council for Wales Philip Carling said: “This is a great example of how Sportsmatch Cymru has enabled a project to double its effectiveness and deliver something special in the community. By utilising the power of sport the programme has the potential to enhance the live of thousands of children and young people and inspire them to live an active and healthy lifestyle , a key target of the Welsh Assembly Government Health Challenge Wales campaign.�