Wales Rugby League’s National Development Manager Mark Jones has spoken highly about how well the community clubs have followed Welsh Government and WRL procedures as they return to training.
All of the clubs have designated COVID-19 officers and wardens to ensure that the protocols have been kept to, whilst 58 volunteers have achieved all four of the Welsh Sports Association’s COVID-19 Awareness Course certificates – the Sports Core, Sports Club, Sports Coaches and Sports Premises & Activity Area modules. All of the courses were fully funded by Wales Rugby League.
Jones, who attended some sessions last weekend said: “All of the volunteers have been superb and have stepped up to the plate.
“Last weekend, I had the chance to be involved with two onfield Rugby League since lockdown, with some club visits and coaching assessments and I was so impressed with the work that all community clubs in Wales have done to prepare. There were many social media meetings and much preparation from home during lockdown.
“The professionalism of all clubs was highlighted when I arrived at both grounds to be met by their clubs COVID-19 Officer and Wardens.
“In a designated sign-in area, COVID-19 symptoms questions were asked, my temperature was taken, my hands were sanitised (I feel like I’ve no skin left on my hands now), I signed in and then I was directed to the training area as per the WRL protocol. As a person on the vulnerable list, I immediately felt safe and secure in the environment which was echoed from players and parents throughout.
“I can only thank all the community club volunteers for their continued hard work and commitment to ensuring our game stays safe. The future is bright (helped by all the cleaning liquid).”
Community player registration has now topped 700 with over 1,000 community players expected to take to the field or court in 2020 when safe to do so. This includes 25 new players for Bridgend Blue Bulls women who had their first session last night (Tuesday).
The WRL vision and strategy is to grow the game by establishing community rugby league clubs, that offer accessible sport for all men and women, boys and girls, plus Wheelchair and Masters RL.
If you want to play rugby league for your local club, please go to https://wrl.wales/community-clubs for their contact details.
