Sport

1m want to do more sport in Wales

Published

8 years ago

March 7, 2016

More sport: 1m people in Wales want to be more active

SPORT WALES’ latest Active Adults survey shows the potential to get more adults hooked on sport and volunteering while figures of those already hooked buck the trend seen across the UK.

The number of adults hooked on sport – participating three times a week or more – in Wales is up (41%) according to the official Active Adults Survey, released today by Sport Wales.

After speaking to more than 8,000 people in Wales aged 15 and over, the latest results show an increase since 2012 (39%), building on the rise in Welsh sport participation seen since 2008 (29%) and sustaining participation since the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

The survey reveals: B67% of those not already ‘hooked on sport’ (taking part 3 times a week or more) would like to do more sport – that’s 1 million more people in Wales.

There are still gaps in participation between males (46%) and females (35%), disabled (29%) and non-disabled (48%) and those from Wales’ most deprived areas are less likely to be hooked (39%).

While the proportion of volunteers has decreased slightly from 10% (2012) to 9% of the adult population, we still have 235,000 volunteers giving an average of 10 hours to sport a month, up from 8 hours a month in 2012 – that’s a 25% increase in hours volunteered and double the number of volunteers from 2008 (113,000).

The increase in voluntary hours means the economic value of sport volunteering in Wales is nearly£300 million- the equivalent of15,000 full-time employees.

20% of those who do not currently volunteer in sport say they would like to in the future – that equates to over470,000 people in Wales.

Sports volunteers are also reaping the benefits off the field as the figures show they are 82% more likely to say they have good or very good health.

The most popular sporting activities for adults include cycling, swimming and running.

Sport Wales CEO, Sarah Powell said:

“What these results show is that we have been successful in sustaining the incredible swell in numbers of volunteers and participants which followed the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. I’m proud of this. We worked hard to ensure a lasting legacy and we’ve successfully bucked the trends seen across the rest of the UK, which has seen levels fluctuate in the past few years.

“There’s huge potential to engage more people and I’m thrilled to see the appetite for doing more sport and volunteering so high in Wales. The challenge now is for us and the sport sector to grow an offer that meets the needs of those people who want to try more sport. We’ve seen really successful initiatives in recent years such as Parkrun and the Breeze cycling network which have engaged people who previously thought sport wasn’t for them. Both these schemes have done this through working closely with communities to develop an offer that meets the needs of the participant locally.

“You don’t have to be an elite athlete to be a Welsh sportsperson. The dad playing football on a Wednesday night, the family running the Parkrun on a Saturday morning and the mums meeting to do circuits in the park before the school run – these are our Welsh sportspeople and they are the future of Welsh community sport. They have found their thing and we want to make sure we create more opportunities for that 1 million who want to do more sport, to find theirs. Whether that is to discover new activities, meet new people or achieve personal goals, we need to entice them into being active. Imagine the impact on the health and well-being of our nation if we were successful!”

Other noteworthy results in the survey included that:

If you believe you lack fitness you are significantly less likely to be hooked on sport.

Those people who believe they lack confidence are significantly less likely to be hooked on sport. However, if you believe your general sporting ability is better than most you are nine times more likely to be hooked.

If your friends and family take part you are more than twice as likely to be hooked on sport.

Powell added: “We have shown sport in Wales has the tools to be successful.

“However, while we’ve managed to sustain participation and grow it at school sport level, this survey demonstrates that we are not yet seeing this translate into a significant increase in adult community participation and stubborn participation gaps between men and women and disabled and non-disabled still exist. So we will have to continue to evolve our approach to ensure a Welsh sporting offer that meets their needs.

“Just as in children, adults also like to feel they have the skills and confidence to participate in sport. It provides the motivation to take part. Enjoyable opportunities, good quality competition or social sporting opportunities and the support of friends and family are all aspects that make sport a key part of someone’s life and we need to tap into this when we deliver sport.”

News

Milford Haven RFC celebrates Mini’s Section Presentation

Published

9 hours ago

May 6, 2024

Herald Sport

MILFORD HAVEN RFC once again showcased its commitment to nurturing young talent as it celebrated its Mini’s Section Presentation on Sunday (May 5). The event, held with much enthusiasm, marked a significant moment for the club, reinforcing its dedication to the development of rugby at all levels.

The Mini’s section, a cornerstone of the club’s community engagement, witnessed a remarkable turnout, a testament to its growing popularity year by year. The event not only recognised the efforts of the young players but also extended gratitude to the invaluable contributions of coaches, parents, and supporters, whose unwavering support is instrumental in shaping the future of rugby in Milford Haven.

A special acknowledgment was reserved for Abbo, Paula, and Leanne, whose steadfast support has been pivotal in nurturing the Mini’s section, ensuring its success and growth. Their dedication and tireless efforts have played a significant role in fostering a nurturing environment for the young athletes to thrive.

The presence of the 1st Team Club Captain, Zac, and Vice Captain, Jimmy, added a touch of prestige to the occasion. Their attendance and active participation in presenting trophies to the Mini Mariners underscored the club’s ethos of unity and inclusivity across all age groups. Such gestures not only inspire the budding players but also instil a sense of belonging and pride in the larger Milford Haven RFC community.

In his remarks, Zac emphasised the importance of fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity within the club, where every member, regardless of age or experience, feels valued and supported. Such values lie at the heart of Milford Haven RFC, reinforcing its status as not just a rugby club but a tight-knit community.

As the event concluded, echoes of “Up the Mighty Mariners” reverberated through the grounds, encapsulating the spirit of determination and unity that defines Milford Haven RFC. With the Mini’s section flourishing and the club’s unwavering commitment to its development, the future of rugby in Milford Haven looks brighter than ever.

With each passing year, Milford Haven RFC continues to uphold its legacy as a nurturing ground for young talent, a beacon of sporting excellence, and a source of pride for the entire community.

As the red and white colours of the Mighty Mariners continue to soar high, so too does the spirit of camaraderie and passion that binds the club together, ensuring its continued success on and off the field.

News

Milford Haven clinches thrilling victory in KO Cup Plate Final

Published

10 hours ago

May 6, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN a gripping showdown at Heywood Lane, Tenby on Wednesday (May 1), Milford Haven emerged victorious in the 2024 KO Cup Plate Final, edging past a resilient Whitland side by a narrow margin of 24-21.

The clash, witnessed by a fervent crowd, showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, culminating in a nail-biting finish that saw Milford Haven secure their first-ever Plate trophy in the club’s history.

The Mariners took an early lead through a penalty courtesy of winger James Trueman, swiftly countered by Whitland’s full back Geraint Jones. However, Milford surged ahead with the first try of the match, as No 8 Dewi Williams powered over the line from close range, with Trueman adding the extras.

Despite Whitland’s efforts to claw back into contention with two penalties, reducing the halftime deficit to a single point, Milford Haven remained composed. The second half witnessed a relentless display from the Mariners, capitalizing on their dominant pack to create scoring opportunities.

James Trueman showcased his prowess with a spectacular try, expertly set up by swift passing from James Williams and Dan Jenkins. Trueman’s accurate kicking extended Milford’s lead further, before Scott Buirds crashed over for their third try, sealing a commanding advantage.

Yet, Whitland refused to concede defeat, launching a spirited comeback with tries from Owyn Griffiths and Dom Davies. Despite their valiant efforts, Whitland fell short in their pursuit of victory, with a crucial penalty attempt rebounding off the post in the dying moments.

Milford Haven’s Ollie Rothero was rightfully awarded the ‘man of the match’ accolade for his composed performance, epitomizing the team’s resilience throughout the contest. Rothero’s versatility and steadiness in the No 15 shirt proved instrumental in Milford’s triumph, despite stiff competition from Trueman’s impressive place-kicking and memorable try.

In the end, Milford Haven emerged as worthy victors, their victory a testament to their tenacity and unity on the field. As the final whistle blew, the Mariners celebrated a hard-fought triumph, etching their names in the annals of KO Cup Plate history.

The club said after the match on their Facebook page: “All the players, coaching team and committee would like to thank everyone that came over to Tenby to support the boys tonight. It really meant a lot to us as a club and no doubt the town!”

Line-ups:

Milford Haven: Ollie Rothero, Robbie Jones, James Williams, Dan Jenkins, Jamie Trueman, Efan Morgan, Dan McClelland, Aaron Mayne, Luke Ryan, Jimmy Buirds, Jay Goodall, Zac Davies (Capt), Ryan Mansell, Ieuan Davies, Dewi Williams. Replacements: Dai. Sweeny, Ben Jenkins, Ben Groves, Scott Buirds, Ethan Aldred, Lee Riley, Dean McSparron.

Whitland: Geraint Jones, Morgan Lewis, Jamie Goldsworthy, Dom Davies, Owyn Griffiths, Jonathan Thomas, Trystan Rees, Dafydd Walters, Marc Jones, Trystan Bowen, Benjamin Kirk, Dan Bennett, Lewis Tingay, Cian Evans, Zac France-Miller. Replacements: Ceiron Evans, Charlie Watson, Jack Worthing, Thomas Iraia, Geraint McCoan.

News

Goodwick 2nds clinch Division 3 Cup after dramatic penalty shootout

Published

11 hours ago

May 6, 2024

Herald Sport

IN a gripping showdown at Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium on Friday (May 3), Goodwick United 2nds emerged victorious in a nail-biting encounter against Solva in the 2024 Division 3 Cup Final. The match, which ended 1-1 after normal time, saw Goodwick triumph 7-6 on penalties, securing the coveted cup in a marathon of tension and drama.

The game began at a frantic pace, with both sides showcasing their determination from the outset. Solva’s Robbie Jenkins proved to be a constant threat, testing Goodwick keeper Joe Docker early on. However, neither team could break the deadlock in the first half, with chances at both ends going begging.

As the match progressed, the intensity only heightened, with tackles flying in as both teams fought for supremacy. It was Solva who struck first blood, with Dan Bryce converting a penalty to put his team ahead with just 19 minutes remaining. But Goodwick refused to be beaten, and Kieran Price leveled the scores late on with a well-taken volley, sending the game into extra time.

Extra time saw no let-up in the action, with both sides pushing for a winner. However, it was Solva who found themselves reduced to ten men after Morgan Elliott was sent off. With neither team able to find a breakthrough, the match was ultimately decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

In a tense shootout that went to sudden death, it was Goodwick who held their nerve, with Haydn Smith scoring the decisive spot-kick to clinch victory for his team. The celebrations that followed were a testament to the resilience and determination of Chris Morris’s side, who battled through injuries and adversity to claim the title.

Reflecting on his team’s triumph, Morris expressed his pride in his players, praising their character and resilience in the face of adversity. For Solva, it was a bitter disappointment, but they can take pride in their valiant effort throughout the match.

As the final whistle blew, it was Goodwick United 2nds who emerged as the worthy winners, etching their names into the annals of the Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League’s Division 3 Cup history.

Line-ups:

Solva: Luke Phillips, Luke Mason, Harry Elliott, Morgan Elliott, Kieran Price, Ryan Thomas, Finn Isles, Sam Price, Robert Jenkins, Josh Bland (Captain), Lucas Price. Substitutes: Craig Challonder, Billy Clift, Albie Burden, Daniel Rees, Francis John-Duarte.

Goodwick United 2nds: Joe Docker, Tyler Morris, Iwan James, Haydn Smith, Kyle Smith (Captain), Joshua Wellan, Seamus Drake, Niall Kinsella, Keegan Summers, Gary Reynolds, Ethan Priestley. Substitutes: Goncalo Rocha, Alex O’Sullivan, Daniel Bryce, Kieran O’Brien, Frankie Pearce.

Match Officials:

Referee: Alan Boswell.

Assistants: Chris Stapleton & Barry Evans.

Fourth Official: Richard Gwyther.

Photo: Ben Rendell/Facebook