Apologies to all for leaving this test post in place. Colin Short and Andrew james took great delight in complimenting me on leaving ym family snaps for all to see

Who needs enemies with friends like that eh!

made me smile anyhow.

Below is some information provided by the Physical Activity and Sports Service in Neath and Port Talbot. They will provide a coach education course  and some equipment for coaches/clubs who are involved at under 7’s and 8’s within the council boundary:

RUGBY ORGANISER COURSE

This training course is an entry level course for those involved

 with leading and helping with minis tag rugby. 

A certificate of participation will be awarded on completion of

the course, and each club sending a representative will receive

 a FREE tag rugby equipment package worth £70!

Who should attend? Anyone leading or helping at under 7s and 8s.

Cost   Free

What to wear   Track suit and Trainers (Practical Course)                                                                                  

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  _ _ _ _ _ _

Club …………………………………………………………………………

To book a place, please contact Claire Sims or return this slip to: 

PASS, Dalton Road Community Centre, PORT TALBOT,

SA12 6SF. Tel:01639 860121 Fax: 01639 861149           

Email:  c.sims@npt.gov.uk

David Arthur,

Afan Nedd Development Officer.

Just a reminder to clubs that all matches must be officiated by a WRU qualified referee. So if you need extra referee’s make a note of the courses outlined below:

Level 1 Referee Courses Autumn 2009

Sunday 11^th  October      Taibach RFC

Sunday 18^th  October       Pontypridd RFC

Sunday 25^th  October       Carmarthen Quins RFC                                                           

Sunday 1^st      November   Llandaff RFC

Sunday 15^th   November   Rhyl RFC Social Club

Sunday 22^nd  November   Crosskeys RFC

Course Duration  0930 – 1600

Registration         0900  – 0930

Further details and application forms can be obtained from

David R Davies  02920822420   davidrdavies@wru.co.uk

Marcia Harding  02920822419   mharding@wru.co.uk

Closing Date is 1 week prior to course date. 

Course costs £15, non refundable, includes buffet lunch.

To book a place, completed application form and fee must

be received in the Referees Department.

Dulais Valley Lions are holding a Fun Day at Crynant RFC on Saturday 8th August. It is free entry and there are lots of activities going on; bouncy castle, welly throwing, sponge soaking, face painting and lots more. The day starts at 11am and there is a family disco at the club between 4 and 8pm.

Also during the day the local police are staging an under 7 tag festival in which all players who attend will be split into a variety of teams, therefore, to be clear it will not be a club tournament but every child will be given the opportunity to play.

David Arthur

Afan Nedd Development Officer

This weeks the district under 11’s skills sessions saw 12 attend at Pontardawe, 35 at Court Herbert and 20 at the Afan Lido. The sessions continue next week Monday 27th (10am till 12noon) at Pontardawe Leisure Centre, and (1pm till 3pm) at Court Herbert, Neath. Tuesday 28th (10am till 12noon) at the Afan Lido. If you haven’t previously attended and wish to do so then email d.arthur@npt.gov.uk giving name/school/club and a contact telephone number or for further information ring David Arthur on 07740612791.

David Arthur

Afan Nedd Development Officer

With what has now become a tradition in Ospreylia’s recent history, the Ospreys Rugby Department open its doors once again to the aspiring coaches of the region to attend the Ospreys Summer Coaching Conference. With a varied timetable of delivery topics, presented by some of the leading figures within the region and world rugby, the Ospreys would like to invite all the regions Level 2, 3 and 4 coaches to attend this exciting event.

To be held on Sunday August 9^th 2009 at Llandarcy Academy of Sport, the schedule for the day is:

The event will cost each coach just £15, and will include a set lunch of Jacket Potato, side salad and a choice of ham, tuna or cheese filling.

If you have the relevant qualification and are interested in this event please send a covering letter to:

Donna Lovell, Ospreys Rugby, Liberty Stadium, Landore, Swansea, SA1 2FA and make cheques

payable to “Ospreys Rugby”.

For more information on the coaching conference, please contact

Dan Owens at daniel.owens@ospreysrugby.com

A decision has been made that the Ospreys Cup will be organised for the under 15 and 16 age groups next season (09-10). The reason for this change around is that it is hoped that the incentive of Osprey Cup rugby will act as a motivator to encourage clubs to hopefully maintain running teams at a level where there can be considerable drop out.

If your club is interested in entering the competitions then you are requested to attend a meeting at Llandarcy Academy of Sport at 7pm on Tuesday September 1st. 

David Arthur,

Afan Nedd Development Officer.

Each school in the borough has been sent an application form for them to give to children in the present year 5 who would like to be considered for district rugby (Swansea Valley/Neath/Aberavon) next season (09-10). The application form would give them the opportunity to attend some skill development sessions during the school holidays (see below). In exceptional circumstances year 4 pupils could be considered to attend.

 So far there has been a slow response therefore if you have a child who you would like to nominate please email me d.arthur@npt.gov.uk giving me their name, school, club, home telephone and mobile numbers. It is preferable that they attend the appropriate course to where they will be considered for district rugby next season; however, if because of timings you would prefer to attend elsewhere please make that clear in your reply. 

Players need to bring suitable clothing for rugby sessions and bring both trainers and rugby boots to every session. It is essential that you bring a bottle of water/drink to each session to make sure you hydrate properly. If you wish to bring a cereal bar or a sandwich there will be a 10-15 minute break during each session.

Session 1 Handling and Evasive Skills

Session 2 Passing and Catching

Session 3 Decision Making

Session 4 Contact Skills

Swansea Valley

Monday July 20^th/27th and August 3^rd/10^th. Meet at Pontardawe Leisure Centre at 9.45am for a session between 10am and 12 noon.

Neath

Monday July 20^th/27^th and August 3^rd/10^th. Meet at Court Herbert, Neath Sports Centre at 1pm for a session between 1.15pm to 3.15pm.

Aberavon

Tuesday July 21^st/28^th and August 4^th/11^th. Meet at Afan Lido All Weather Pitch, Aberavon Beach at 9.45am for a session between 10am and 12 noon.

David Arthur,

Afan Nedd Development Officer. 

Throughout July all age groups (under 12/13/14/16) will continue to train on the all weather surface at Court Herbert, Neath Sports Centre.

1. Under 13’s 5 tiil 6pm on Tuesdays

2. Under 14’s 6 till 7pm on Tuesdays

3. Under 16’s 6 till 7.15pm on Thursdays

4. Under 12’s 6.45 till 8pm on Thursdays

In August the night will change to a FRIDAY and we will be using the grass in field of the athletics track and the track itself (boots and trainers). During that period the under 12’s and 13’s will train from 6 to 7.15pm and the 14’s and 16’s between 6.30 and 8pm.

From September onwards the same Friday night set up will continue with opportunities for the under 12’s/13’s and 14’s to have ocassional sessions at the Llandarcy Academy of Sport.

David Arthur

Afan Nedd Development Officer