Pennant Walters has given a boost to young rugby hopefuls from across the Cynon Valley after sponsoring two youth sides.
After throwing its support behind Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun Comprehensive School last year as four of their rugby teams competed in a world rugby tournament, Pennant Walters has widened its support to the region and provided £2,500 to Cynon Valley Schools Rugby Union – part of the WRU Pathway.
The two representative teams – under 11’s and 15’s – are made up of selected, talented players from all schools in the Cynon Valley and will now compete during the forthcoming season, playing teams from across south Wales.
Ceri Type, Honourable Treasurer for the Cynon Valley Schools Rugby Union, said: “We are hugely excited to support the next generation of local rugby players, but as a team of volunteers who receive minimal funding from the WRU, we are always looking for support to enable us to deliver the best experience to our selected players.
“This funding from Pennant Walters is just fantastic – without it, we wouldn’t be able to provide this opportunity to our players. The sponsorship will now allow us to build on our past success and provide local boys and girls with opportunities and experiences which will develop good rugby players, as well as good citizens. On behalf of us all, I’d like to thank Pennant Walters for their support of grassroots rugby.”
The funding from Pennant Walters is linked to Pennant Walters’ 9 turbine 22 MW Mynydd Bwllfa windfarm near Aberdare in Rhondda Cynon Taf, which became operational in the summer of 2015. It builds on previous donations which have seen the company provide money to support various local community groups.
Pennant Walters Managing Director, Dale Hart, said:
“It’s important that talented youngsters have the opportunity to flourish and we hope this support will enable every single member of the squad to benefit. Our wind energy project community funds exist to make a difference to the local communities in which we work - benefitting people directly. We’ll be keeping an eye on the teams and look forward to supporting their development.”
Picture: Cynon Valley Schools Rugby Union U15 players Zack Griffiths, Kingsley Davies, Bailey Cutts & Evan Corley