Young players from Penygraig RFC were given rare access to the Welsh Rugby Union’s National Centre of Excellence and a masterclass from rugby legend Dan Biggar alongside current Welsh squad members Jac Morgan, Ben Carter, Ryan Elias and Joe Hawkins, thanks to Go.Compare’s ‘Making a Difference’ competition.
Some of Penygraig’s under-12s and under-13s players were taken through drills and mini-games by the players and toured the training rooms, gym and hall of fame.
As part of Go.Compare’s WRU sponsorship, the comparison site created a competition to recognise the people who keep community rugby thriving while also giving young players a tangible reason to feel excited about their future in the game.
The ‘Making a Difference’ competition from Go.Compare and The Telegraph asked rugby clubs to nominate the unsung heroes and volunteers of grassroots rugby. In Wales, the competition celebrated Penygraig RFC volunteer Arfon Henderson for his 48 years of service to the club. In recognition of his contribution, the club received a £5,000 grant and this exclusive masterclass experience -investing in the club’s next generation of players and encouraging them to carry on playing in their teenage years.
Arfon said of winning the ‘Making a Difference’ award in Wales: “Volunteering at the club is just something I do – I get up, and I do it, and it’s just part of my daily routine. It’s not something you ever expect to be recognised for.”
Josh Tumbridge, Head of Brand at Go.Compare, said: “People like Arfon is what local rugby is all about. Grassroots clubs are where many Welsh rugby legends’ stories begin, and those clubs continue to play a huge role in local communities.
“Through our partnership with the WRU, we wanted to use this competition to do more than celebrate one brilliant volunteer and club; we wanted to create an experience that helps young players feel closer to the game and excited about staying involved and playing into their teens and beyond.”
Josh Tumbridge continued: “We want to shine a light on clubs like Penygraig that work hard to keep young people engaged from minis and juniors through the teenage years, as well as the wider role these clubs play as community hubs.
“As back-of-shirt sponsor of the Welsh Rugby Union, we want our support to be felt beyond the professional game. Giving young players access to elite environments, professional players and role models is a practical way, as well as providing opportunities like these for these young players, is just a fantastic and meaningful way can help support the future of grassroots rugby in Wales.”
Reflecting on his day with the Penygraig RFC players, Dan Biggar said: “Grassroots rugby and school rugby are absolutely fundamental because Wales needs as many boys and girls playing rugby as possible, and as much interest in the sport as possible.
“If access to an experience like this helps even one young person stay in the game, it’s a job well done.”
