Scarlets North Wales roadshow a roaring success

Scarlets’ Community Team completed a North Wales roadshow with visits to Bethesda, Nant Conwy, Denbigh and Mold last week.

The Scarlets’ Community Team kicked off their three-day roadshow with a Summer Rugby Camp in Aberystwyth RFC. The Ceredigion club saw over sixty children aged between six and eleven flock to the club for a rugby session with our Community Skills Coach. After a quick lunch to refuel, the children were then visited by three Scarlets: Wales U20 flyhalf Dan Jones and his fellow U20 international back row, Tom Phillips, joined in the fun. The children were also given a further surprise when Scarlets number eight Rory Pitman lent his hand to the skills and drills session!

The Community Team, with the newly refurbished Scarlets trailer in tow, then made their way North, setting up base camp in the scenic village of Betws-y-Coed. There was little time to enjoy the beautiful scenery however, as the crew were up early to set up their first of four club visits in the heart of Gwynedd. Despite the weather resembling mid October instead of early August, the pitches at Bethesda came alive with children sporting red and yellow Scarlets jerseys!

“A very big thank you to the Scarlets’ community team for coming over to Bethesda Rugby Club. All the children have enjoyed themselves. The boys and girls have had new experiences and have developed their game. Well done Scarlets!” said Dylan, juniors coach of Bethesda.

It was to Nant Conwy next, where the team set up their trailer pitchside at the foothills of some spectacular mountains. The skies had since cleared and the sun was shining brightly as the coaches took to the field.

Rhian of Nant Conwy was very happy with the visit, saying: “Can I thank the Scarlets community team for visiting Nant Conwy this afternoon to coach the children. Everyone has enjoyed themselves very much and thankfully the sun has appeared from behind the clouds. We’ve all learnt new skills and have enjoyed playing rygbi. Thank you all!”

It was third early morning in a row for the Scarlets staff and were welcomed warmly by Denbigh RFC for the day’s first session. Terry, who is a Scarlets Season Ticket holder, was very pleased with the experience: “Thank you very much for coming to coach the young lads at the club, we appreciate it very much, hopefully we’ll be coming down to support the Scarlets and of course you’re more than welcome to return next year! It means a lot to me too since I’m a season ticket holder and I’ll be splitting my time between being here when Denbigh play and being down at Parc y Scarlets.”

From Denbghshire to Flintshire for the final club visit as the Scarlets staff, van and trailer made their way to Mold RFC for the final visit of the tour. It was another warm welcome and the children were soon taking part in the sessions, led by our community coaches.

After the young rugby players had finished their sessions, played on our giant inflatable game and left with Scarlets stickers, balloons and merchandise; the team packed away the trailer for the final time on the North Wales tour and were back on the road heading South-West!

It was great to receive such support from the clubs in North Wales who often make the journey down to Parc y Scarlets and was incredible to see such magnificent enthusiasm from the youngsters.

You too can show your support with a Scarlets Season Ticket, with our Early Bird Offer availabe until the 17th of August.

Scarlets’ North Wales Roadshow Fun Facts:

• Over 300 children attended the club visits over the two day period
• The Scarlets trailer crossed through 14 counties and areas of Wales, covering over 600 miles of roads (that’s the equivalent of driving from Parc y Scarlets to Luxembourg and a little bit further!).
• The Scarlets Coaches ran 26 sessions over the course of the tour.