Sport

Duke of Cambridge launches new Coach Core programme

Published

10 years ago

November 4, 2015

Tom Sinclair

The Duke of Cambridge: Launching the WRU Coach Core apprenticeship

THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE has launched the Welsh Rugby Union’s new Coach Core apprenticeship programme.

Coach Core was created by The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry in 2012 as part of the Olympics Legacy and it aims to improve the quality and availability of sports coaching, especially in schools and communities in deprived areas, while also creating employment.

With financial support from The Hunter Foundation, the WRU programme will be run over a 12-month period in the Cardiff Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons regions, supporting 12 young people aged 18-24. The coaching and mentoring programme will help the young people gain new skills and qualifications in rugby development and coaching, supported by WRU staff and coaches.

His Royal Highness met the 12 newly selected apprentices and took part in some rugby coaching led by the apprentices themselves at Sport Wales before attending the Wales v Fiji Rugby World Cup match at the Millennium Stadium.

Former WRU rugby development officer Carl Scales has been appointed to develop and manage the WRU Coach Core programme, while Neath Port Talbot College is supporting the WRU as the learning provider to put the successful apprentices through recognised qualifications and invaluable on-the-job work experience with the Welsh Rugby Union, one of the leading sports governing bodies in the country.

WRU chairman Gareth Davies said, “We are delighted to have received the support of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry to enable us to set up this exciting new programme. The WRU Coach Core Apprenticeship scheme is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain new skills and experience within the field of rugby and sports coaching. It will open doors, not only for the apprentices themselves, but also for all those they engage with on a community level during the 12 month programme.”

WRU Head of Rugby Josh Lewsey added, “The apprentices will be working with our coaches and development officers in schools and clubs and will become role models in their own right within their communities.”

Supporting children and young people to achieve their potential is one of three key areas of focus for The Royal Foundation. Through strategic partnerships, seed funding and raising awareness, the Foundation helps young people to build their skills, confidence and aspirations. Engagement through sport plays a key role in achieving these outcomes.

Four Coach Core programmes have already been run in other locations: two in London with Greenhouse Sports and two in Glasgow with Glasgow Life. This is the first Coach Core programme in Wales but the Royal Foundation is actively looking for further opportunities to expand the programme throughout the country.

Sir Tom Hunter, Hunter Foundation chairman said, “This is a fantastic way of supporting young people and their communities to deliver sustainable positive outcomes. We are delighted again to support The Royal Foundation as they grow the already successful Coach Core programme and being part Welsh, this is a brilliant next step in that journey!”

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said: “The WRU is to be congratulated for their forward thinking approach that has already produced such good results in terms of persuading more young people to take part in school and club rugby. Adding this apprenticeship opportunity to their scheme demonstrates how well sport can benefit both the individual and the community and I look forward to seeing other sports follow the WRU’s lead.”

The final selection of the 12 WRU Coach Core apprentices was made this week. Owen Young of Aberdare said, “I see this as a great opportunity to promote the game I love and follow in my father’s footsteps. To develop young people will be a great achievement for me,” while Cameron Douglas of Neath said, “I see the apprenticeship as a pathway to influence people’s lives with sport specifically rugby and increase participation in Wales.” Tom Robinson of Ystrad said, “I am excited to be involved in this programme and will use my passion for the sport to inspire and coach others”, while Jessica Hancock said, “At school I wanted to play football but wasn’t allowed. I was called fat. This inspired me to lose weight and play sport. I want to inspire others to do it if you want to and not take no for an answer”.

The 12 WRU Coach Core apprentices:

Connor Prankerd, Owen Young, Cameron Douglas, Jacob Thomas, Kyle Raubenhaimer, Elliott Smith, Tom Robinson, Craig Duncan, Callum House, Lily Gallagher, Jessica Hancock, Dan White

Sport

Haverfordwest County Under-13 girls shine at final FAW festival

Published

2 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC Women and Girls have praised their under-13s after another strong showing at the third and final FAW Festival of the season.

The young Bluebirds travelled to Colliers Park in Wrexham on Saturday (Apr 4), where they once again impressed with their performances.

Club officials said the girls had performed fantastically well throughout the season, adding that everyone at Haverfordwest County was incredibly proud of their efforts.

The squad for the day was Libby O, Ela I, Ines M, Mila E, Scarlett C, Rachel B, Lydia H, Lilly M, Zara E, Leila P and Lillie EJ.

Well done girls.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls: Friendly League week 22 results

Published

3 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

RESULTS from week 22 of the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League have been confirmed, with Badgers recording a comprehensive 10-0 win over Lamphey and St Twynnells edging past Cosheston 6-4.

An earlier fixture also saw Cosheston claim a 10-0 victory over Reynalton.

Several matches were postponed during the week, including Kilgetty v Carew, Llanteg v St Twynnells and Hundleton v East Williamston.

St Johns had the bye.

Latest results:
Cosheston 4 St Twynnells 6
Badgers 10 Lamphey 0
Cosheston 10 Reynalton 0

League table after week 22:
East Williamston — Played 19, Won 13, Drawn 0, Lost 6, Shot difference 169, Points 126
St Johns — Played 20, Won 12, Drawn 1, Lost 7, Shot difference 132, Points 118
Reynalton — Played 20, Won 8, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference 24, Points 99
St Twynnells — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 2, Lost 7, Shot difference 9, Points 99
Carew — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 9, Shot difference -12, Points 98
Hundleton — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 1, Lost 8, Shot difference -7, Points 97
Llanteg — Played 18, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 8, Shot difference -16, Points 95
Badgers — Played 20, Won 7, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -104, Points 89
Cosheston — Played 19, Won 7, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference -39, Points 88
Lamphey — Played 20, Won 9, Drawn 0, Lost 11, Shot difference -71, Points 80
Kilgetty — Played 19, Won 6, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -85, Points 73

League officials have reminded clubs that all outstanding matches must be completed by midnight on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Sport

Amman United Youth suffer agonising semi-final defeat

Published

3 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

Cup final dream slips away as Newcastle Emlyn battle back to seal 20-19 win in windy Carmarthenshire Cup clash

AMMAN UNITED YOUTH saw their Carmarthenshire Cup final hopes ended in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday (Apr 4) as Newcastle Emlyn snatched a 20-19 victory in a dramatic semi-final.

Played in difficult, windy conditions, the contest was fiercely competitive throughout, with Amman left to rue a series of handling errors that allowed the visitors back into the game.

Newcastle Emlyn made the stronger start, taking an early 3-0 lead through a penalty and then missing a chance to add to their tally.

Amman responded well and took control of the first half. Captain Ceian Lewis crossed following a well-worked catch-and-drive to put his side 5-3 in front. Toby Slater then produced an excellent touchline conversion in tough conditions to extend the lead to 7-3.

Amman continued to build momentum when Harvey Duncan made a sharp break down the wing to score their second try. Slater was again on target with an impressive conversion in the wind, giving his side a 14-3 lead at the break.

But the game turned soon after the restart. A costly Amman mistake allowed Newcastle Emlyn back into the contest, with the visitors scoring in the corner before adding the conversion to close the gap to 14-10.

Amman appeared to have steadied themselves when Kelston Fairhurst powered over from another catch-and-drive, stretching the lead to 19-10.

However, Newcastle Emlyn refused to give in. Strong forward play brought them another try, and the conversion cut the deficit to just two points at 19-17 as the pressure mounted in the closing stages.

The decisive moment came in the final five minutes when another Amman handling error handed Emlyn a crucial opportunity. The visitors worked their way into range and slotted a late penalty to edge ahead 20-19.

Amman had one final chance to rescue the game and opted for a catch-and-drive from a late penalty, having already found success with that tactic earlier in the match. This time, though, Newcastle Emlyn held firm to deny them and secure their place in the final.

It was a bitter end for Amman United Youth, who had looked in control at half-time, but Newcastle Emlyn showed resilience and composure when it mattered most.