South Wales Jets are launching a foundation so that more children in their area can play rugby league.
The Jets, who have recently moved to Penallta in the Caerphilly County Borough started off as a charity outfit before playing and winning Wales Rugby League’s Men’s League last season.
This year, with the help of new head coaches Ben Flower and Lloyd While, and countless other volunteers, they’ve created a junior section with around 200 children from ages 6-16 signed up.
Now, as Jets founder and chairman Liam Price comments, the club want to make an already accessible sport, even more accessible.
He said: “What a lot of people don’t know is that parents of children in most sports clubs normally have to pay fees.
“We want to help those not as fortunate as others to cover their fees and more – those who are struggling to buy boots, playing gear, or just to send their children to a club. Our aim is to get as many children as possible playing rugby league.
“Growing up, I was one of four children. Our family didn’t have a lot of money and I’m fully aware some children will be missing out on playing sport due to the current financial climate. I don’t want to see it. We’re not going to change the world but if we can get 20 extra kids a year into the sport, then we’ll be doing well.”
Price wants everything to be in place for the 2025 season.
“We’re not rushing into it,” he said. “We’ll look at other foundations out there, like North Wales Crusaders who are producing excellent results and we’ll see what needs to be done. I know there’s a lot of red tape. We’ll have three trustees and a board to create a criteria. We’ll see what standards people have to meet.
“We will fundraise this year, we’ll do bucket collections, have donations, and also at the end of the year the club will make a donation to the Foundation.
“As well as helping those who need it, the Foundation will also be used to train extra coaches.
“I really hope that in South Wales, we’re the first of many clubs to do this. Hopefully others can go down the same route to really help grow the game in Wales.”