To: All junior clubs in Ospreys region

Dear coach/Secretary                                                                                  21 April 2009

Re: Ospreys Junior Cup Competition 2009/2010

After much consideration and discussion between the development department of the WRU and the Ospreys cup organisers it has been decided to end the Ospreys Junior Cup competition.

Originally the competition was introduced to add a small competitive edge to junior rugby across the region. Events of this season and previous seasons have indicated that the competition has become too important to some coaches and clubs and this has resulted in behaviour and practices that are not wanted in junior rugby. The ethos of the game is built around participation, enjoyment, inclusion and fair play, unfortunately the competition has engendered a culture of  ‘win at all costs’ that has led to a loss of these important elements of the game.

I want to put on record that it is the manner in which some clubs and their coaches have approached the competition that has led to its cessation. The number of cases put before the U19 disciplinary committee has increased significantly this season. This season has seen an increasingly more difficult environment created for the organisers, with more disputes and disagreements between clubs. The actions of the organisers have been disputed and representation made to regulatory level within the WRU. All of these instances have determined that junior rugby in the Ospreys region is not ready to embrace competition in a way that fosters development of the game.

I believe that there is still a place for a level of competition in junior rugby but it will need to be regulated far more closely. To this end I am discussing with development staff some alternatives to the Ospreys Junior Cup. The thoughts at present are to offer a series of Regional age group competition days similar to the RAF days that ran in previous years. Further discussion with District representatives will take place to determine the nature and scale of such events.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank publically the Ospreys Cup Committee for their hard work over the last five years. The concept was a good one and their principles for running the competition were always sound. Their efforts allowed additional development work to take place by directing income from the competition into funding other initiatives.

Jason Lewis

WRU Ospreys Region Community Manager

Additional Events £500 Grant!

Following the success of last year’s Youth Work Week, this year we will again be providing grants for Additional Youth Work Week Events. 20 projects will be selected by an independent judging panel, with a grant of up to £500 to help pay for the costs associated with setting up and promoting special events that are being organised in addition to those that would normally take place. Find out more at http://www.thankssam.org/english/youthworkers/events/grant.html

David Arthur

Afan Nedd development Officer

All of the Neath under 11 schools squad is requested to attend Bryncoch RFC at 4.30pm on Thursday 23rd April. A fixture has been arranged against Maesteg and all players will be given game time. The expected time of kick off is 5pm.

David Arthur

Afan Nedd Development Officer

The WRU, Neath and Port Talbot Council and Celtic Leisure have combined services to run an introductory rugby course for 5 to 7 year olds at the Afan Lido (Aeravon Beach) and Neath Sports Centre (Court Herbert).

The 10 week course which starts this week (Afan Lido, Tuesday, 21st April, 4.30pm to 5.30pm and Neath Sports Centre, Friday 24th April, 5pm to 6pm) costs £25. For further information contact the respective facilities; Afan Lido 01639/871444 and Neath Sports Centre 01639/635013.

David Arthur

Afan Nedd Development Officer

Neath schools under 11’s is cancelled tomorrow (Thursday 16th) night. Please spread the word amongst friends who may be looking to attend.

David Arthur

Afan Nedd Development Officer

All district under 13 players are requested to attend Llandarcy Academy of Sport on Tuesday 14th April by 5.30pm. A match has been arranged with Pembrokeshire and it will be played over 3 periods of 25 minutes.

The match will kick off at 6.30pm. 

David Arthur

Afan Nedd Development Officer

Ospreys Age Grade Conditioning Coach Jason Larkman will take a seminar dealing with “Fitness and Nutrition” at Llandarcy Academy of Sport on Friday 24th April; the session starts at 7pm.

All coaches are welcome to attend.

David Arthur

Afan Nedd Development Officer

Eleven players from the Afan Nedd schools squad have made the final cut (44 players) who will represent the West Wales A and B squads against their East Wales opponents. The players are:

Nathan Watkins (Neath)

Keiran Cole (Neath)

Aled Cockwell (Neath)

Keiran Williams (Neath)

Rubin Morgan-Williams (Neath)

Keiran Griffiths (Aberavon)

Cameron Miguel (Swansea Valley)

Ben Williams (Swansea Valley)

Ben Edwards (Swansea Valley)

Joel Holmes (Swansea Valley)

James Williams (Swansea Valley)

Well done to everyone and best wishes for the matches.

David Arthur

Afan Nedd Development Officer

Tonmawr/Pelenna u12s are holding a seven aside tournament for the 2009/10 season on the above date.

There is an entry fee of £20.00 per team.

For further information contact Jeremy Hurley on 07870612840 / 01639 643248

or email

jeremy.hurley@btinternet.com

We are in the process of arranging an under 13 game with Pembroke to ensure that players who missed out during the recent couple of games will get the opportunity to demonstrate their ability.

The game will be a home fixture and is likely to take place on either Tuesday 14th or Wednesday 15th April; keep an eye on the website for further details. However, there will definitely not be a training session before the game.

David Arthur

Afan Nedd Development Officer