Sport

Pembrokeshire Youngsters experience ‘Fit, Fed, Fun’ camps

Published

4 years ago

August 12, 2022

THE Welsh Rugby Union is setting new standards within world sport with its recently launched rugby-themed “Fit, Fed, Fun” camps to support children and families throughout Wales during the school holidays.

This new initiative is being run in partnership with WE Soda, the world’s largest producer of natural soda ash which is an essential ingredient used in the manufacture of many everyday sustainable products such as glass, detergents and electric vehicle batteries.

The WRU “Fit, Fed, Fun” camps are free to attend and are running throughout Wales this summer during the school holidays, feeding thousands of children in some of the nation’s most under-resourced areas.

The camps are open to all children, but will specifically target children who will benefit from free meals as well as the fun activities on offer.

The programme will be gradually expanded over the next three years and has the objective of reaching all areas of Wales by 2025, providing around 600 camps each year. In this first year, the camps are already on target to support more than 8,000 children across 165 camps already planned in Pembrokeshire, Bridgend, Newport, Conwy, Powys, Gwynedd, and the South Wales valleys.

Feeding the children a hearty breakfast and lunch is a key focus of the camps, with rugby coaching and fun activities for children of all ages and abilities hosted by experienced WRU-trained staff. As part of the programme, the children will also learn about the benefits of looking after their community and the environment.

The initiative is only able to work on such a large scale due to close collaboration with local authorities and regional community foundations and with funding provided by WE Soda, the community partner of the WRU.

Princes Gate Mineral Water, the official water supplier to Welsh rugby, are providing natural mineral water and all food at the camps is sourced locally.

“Our first priority is to ensure no child attending goes hungry or thirsty,” said WRU community director Geraint John.

“From our experience with the first camps trialled this Easter, we noticed some children were arriving hungry and so we have now introduced a hearty breakfast to start the day. Feeding the children is very important to us and we have worked hard to provide quality healthy meals that all the children enjoy.

“The children will learn about looking after their community and the environment, with a focus on recycling and reducing waste.

“And of course there is a strong rugby element too.”

The camps are aiming to reach a more diverse group of children than ever before, groups which rugby may not have previously touched.

Learning whilst having fun is also a key element of the programme.

“The response to WRU “Fit, Fed, Fun” has been hugely successful so far and we could fill the places on our camps many times over, but our primary ambition is to provide support to those who need it most,” said John.

The “Fit, Fed, Fun” camps will be run at rugby clubs, sports centres, schools and local authority venues across Wales, with each event specifically targeting those children and groups who will most benefit from the programme.

The camps run alongside a separate provision for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) being delivered as part of the WRU’s broader community rugby initiatives and inclusion strategy which forms a key part of the WRU ‘Jersey for All’ campaign to make rugby more accessible for all. This initiative is also funded and supported by WE Soda.

John added: “We talk about there being a ‘Jersey for All’ in Welsh rugby and this programme is about making that statement a reality for children of all abilities across our nation, ensuring that the opportunity to get involved with the game really is there for everybody.

“We are hugely grateful to WE Soda in particular for their support and partnership in this incredibly important initiative. I would also like to expressly thank our regional community foundations for their continued help and support in in our delivering this programme.”

WE Soda, headquartered in the UK, became the community partner of the WRU in March 2022. Commenting on the various community initiatives being supported by WE Soda, Alasdair Warren, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are providing fun rugby-based activity camps and community support to some of the most underrepresented groups in Wales.

“Welsh rugby’s values are a perfect fit for our business and together we are using rugby as the vehicle to make positive social change in Wales.

“This is much more than just a participation initiative, it’s about getting involved and really supporting the community. Alongside important educational messaging about environmental responsibility, recycling and waste reduction, we are delighted to be involved in an initiative which is having such a directly positive impact on the lives of children throughout the country.

“This programme puts food directly into the mouths of the children who need it most, aiming to ensure that no child goes hungry during the school holidays.”

News

Haverfordwest sailor leads global team to historic victory in Korea

Published

1 day ago

March 18, 2026

Herald Sport

Lou Boorman celebrates home port win in round-the-world yacht race

A HAVERFORDWEST-born sailor has led her team to a landmark victory on the global stage, winning a major leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as it arrived in South Korea.

Lou Boorman, aged 23, skippered Team Tongyeong to first place as the fleet sailed into the Korean port city this week (Mar 16), marking a historic moment for the race.

The win is particularly significant as it is the first time the round-the-world event has ever stopped in Korea – and the home team claimed the top spot.

Speaking from the yacht after crossing the finish line, Lou said: “We did it, we performed under the pressure! To get a win into our home port, I can die happy!”

From Pembrokeshire to the world stage

Lou, who grew up in Haverfordwest, has quickly risen through the ranks of competitive sailing. Before taking on the challenge of leading a Clipper Race team, she had already secured titles as British, Irish and Welsh Female Champion.

Now skippering one of the race’s international teams, she is responsible not only for navigation and strategy, but also for leading a diverse crew – many of whom had never sailed before joining the race.

The Clipper Race is one of the toughest endurance challenges in sport, covering 40,000 nautical miles over eleven months, with crews facing extreme weather conditions ranging from freezing Pacific crossings to equatorial heat.

High-stakes gamble pays off

Team Tongyeong took a major risk during this stage, playing its ‘Joker’ card – a race tactic that doubles points if successful.

The gamble paid off, earning the team maximum points and securing their place at the top of the leaderboard.

Lou said: “We’ve worked really hard and put a lot of pressure on ourselves. Going into our home port there is a lot of pressure to perform, and we added to that pressure by playing our Joker – and we got twenty points, so I’m very proud of the team.”

This marks the team’s second win in recent stages, building momentum as they pass the halfway point of the global race.

Life at sea and leadership challenges

Reflecting on her journey so far, Lou highlighted the challenges of leadership as much as the physical demands of sailing.

She said: “Sometimes the sailing comes second to the people because they are the important ones. To lead them through that is one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.”

She added: “My favourite thing about sailing is the magic of the sea, the stars, the storms and the remoteness. I feel free and at my happiest at sea.”

Global race continues

The Clipper Race fleet will remain in Tongyeong for a week of cultural events before setting off across the North Pacific towards Seattle.

The race will later visit Panama, Washington DC, and Oban before returning to Portsmouth this summer, completing a full circumnavigation of the globe.

For Pembrokeshire, Lou’s achievement puts a local name firmly on the world sailing map – and highlights the global reach of talent from West Wales.

Sport

New2Golf scheme returns to South Pembrokeshire Golf Club

Published

2 days ago

March 17, 2026

Herald Sport

Six-week beginner programme offers affordable route into the sport

SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE GOLF CLUB is preparing to launch its popular New2Golf scheme for 2026, with the latest intake starting on Monday (Apr 13).

Now in its eighth year at the Pembroke Dock course, the initiative offers a low-cost and welcoming introduction to golf. All equipment and professional tuition are included for a small fee, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities – including complete beginners who have never picked up a club before.

The scheme is also ideal for those who have previously played golf and are looking to return to the game after a break.

Participants will receive coaching from qualified golf professionals at the club’s practice ground during early evening sessions over a six-week period. There will also be an option to continue with further sessions after the initial programme.

Golf provides a great opportunity to stay active, enjoy the outdoors and meet new people. As a low-impact sport, it allows players to gradually build fitness while learning new skills. Whether approached competitively or socially, it offers a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend time outdoors.

Last year’s New2Golf intake ranged in age from eight to 70, highlighting the sport’s broad appeal and accessibility.

Located in Pennar, Pembroke Dock, South Pembrokeshire Golf Club enjoys scenic views over the Haven waterway. The club has a thriving membership across junior, ladies’, men’s and seniors’ sections, and prides itself on being friendly and supportive to new players.

Members regularly help newcomers develop their skills on the course, offering guidance on rules, techniques and course play.

The clubhouse also serves as a social hub, offering home-cooked food, a bar and meeting facilities, with a busy calendar of events throughout the year.

Anyone who has ever considered taking up golf – or returning to the sport – is encouraged to get involved.

For more information or to enrol in the 2026 New2Golf scheme, contact [email protected] or visit the Wales Golf website.

New2Golf is organised and supported by Wales Golf.

Sport

Bluebirds leave it late to beat Cardiff Met at the Meadow

Published

2 days ago

March 17, 2026

Herald Sport

Jones strike secures vital win as County stay top of play-off conference

HAVERFORDWEST County returned to winning ways on Friday (Mar 13) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cardiff Metropolitan at the Ogi Bridge Meadow.

Substitute OWAIN JONES proved the difference, scoring with ten minutes remaining to seal all three points for the Bluebirds in front of a crowd of more than 500.

The result means County maintain their four-point lead at the top of the JD Cymru Premier Play-Off Conference with just four games left to play.

Slow first half

Chances were limited during a quiet opening period, with neither side able to gain control.

The game was disrupted by a lengthy 12-minute stoppage after Cardiff Met striker Lewis Rees required treatment following a collision with Panashe Makwiramiti.

When play resumed, both sides struggled to build momentum. Dylan Rees came closest for the hosts before the break, first delivering a dangerous cross that narrowly missed teammates before seeing a long-range effort drift just wide.

Cardiff Met’s best opportunity came late in the half when Dixon Kabongo fired over from inside the area.

***Kyle Kenniford advances away from Lifumpa Mwandwe. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)***

Pressure builds after break

County looked sharper after the restart and began to apply sustained pressure.

Greg Walters saw a header deflected wide early in the second half, before the hosts had the ball in the net moments later, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

Dan Hawkins then forced a low save from goalkeeper Ewan Griffiths, while Walters again went close with an effort from inside the box.

With chances continuing to come and go, manager Tony Pennock turned to his bench, introducing Owain Jones and Iori Humphreys midway through the half.

Jones strikes late

The breakthrough finally came on 80 minutes.

A corner caused confusion in the Cardiff Met defence, and the ball fell kindly for JONES, who bundled it over the line from close range to send the home supporters into celebration.

The visitors pushed for an equaliser late on, but Ifan Knott was rarely troubled as County held firm through the closing stages.

The victory sees Haverfordwest County strengthen their position at the top of the Play-Off Conference as they head into the final weeks of the season.

They are back in action on Saturday (Mar 21) when they travel to Bala Town.

Cover image:

Greg Walters shifts the ball away from Cardiff Metropolitan captain CJ Craven. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)